The Use of Cosmetics in Bible Times

 Perfumed Oil for Sacred or Secular Use

The production and use of olive-oil-based perfumes has a long history in ancient Israel.  The Bible book of Exodus contains a recipe for making the sacred  perfumed oil used by the priests in their services at the temple. It is a blend of cinnamon, myrrh, and other aromatic plants.  (Exodus 30:22-25)   In Jerusalem archaeologists have found what they believe to be a first century C.E. workshop where perfume and incense were produced for us at the temple.  There are many Biblical references to perfumed oil, used in both sacred services ad everyday life. - 2 CHROICLES 16:14; LUKE 7:37-46; 23:56. 

Water was scarce in that part of the world.  So scented oils were a welcome addition to the hygiene routine.  Oil was used not only for protection of the skin in the hot dry climate but also for its cosmetic benefits.  (Ruth 3:3; 2 Samuel 12:20)   The Jewish maiden Esther, before being presented to King Ahasuerus, received a 12-month  "spa" treatment-a 6-month massage with oil of myrrh and then another 6-month treatment with balsam oil. - ESTHER 2:12.  

Perfumes or perfumed oil were a valued commodity on a par with silver and gold.  When the Queen of Sheba made her epic journey to visit King Solomon, the valuable gifts she brought  included gold, precious stones, and balsam oil. (1 Kings 10:2, 10)   When King Hezekiah showed the treasures of his house to envoys from Babylon,  "the balsam oil and the good oil" were proudly displayed alongside the silver, the gold and his entire armory. - ISAIAH 39:1. 2. 

Only tiny amounts of perfume or oil could be extracted from the various flowers, fruits, , leaves, resins, or bark.  The Bible mentions a number of these aromatic plants such as  aloe, balsam, bdellium gum, calamus, cassis, cinnamon, frankincense, myrrh, saffron and spikenard.  Some of them were indigenous and grew in the Jordan Valley.  Others were imported by way of the legendary incense trade routes from India, South Arabia, and elsewhere. 

Next time: The Use of Cosmetics in Bible Times - The Enigmatic Balsam Oil

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