The Use of Cosmetics in Bible Times

 The Enigmatic Balsam Oil

Balsam oil is mentioned in the Bible in the accounts about Queen Esther, the Queen of Sheba,  and King Hezekiah, as noted above.  In 1988 a small jug of oil was discovered in a cave near Qumran, on the western shore of the Dead Sea.  It raised much speculation.  Was this the last remaining sample of balsam oil?  Researchers have no conclusive answer. Down to this day, the growers are trying to reestablish the once renowned balsam groves. 

Evidence seems to bear out that balsam oil mentioned  in the Bible was cultivated in the area around Engedi.  Excavations have uncovered furnaces, jars, and various metal and bone objects, dating from the sixth century B.C.E., similar to those used in other areas for perfume-making.  Most scholars believe that the balsam bush originally came from  Arabia of Africa .  The fragrance was produced from the sap. Balsam oil was so highly prized that the methods of cultivation and production were kept secret.

Balsam was even used as  a bargaining tool in political maneuvers.  For example, according the historian Josephus, Mark Antony obtained an entire grove of these precious plants and offered them as a gift to the Egyptian Queen Cleopatra.  The Roman historian Pliny mentioned that during the Jewish War in the first century C.E., Jewish fighters attempted to destroy all the balsam plants to prevent the conquering Romans from taking them. 

From Bible references and archaeological discoveries, we are able to get a glimpse  of the art of cosmetic use among the people of Bible times.  Rather than condemning the use of cosmetics and other adornment,  the Bible emphasizes that they may be used in modesty and with soundness of mind.  (1 Timothy 2:9)   The apostle Peter pointed out that what is "of great value in the eyes of God" is the quiet and mild spirit ."  In view of ever-changing styles and fashions, this surely is fine advice for Christian women, young and old.  - 1 PETER 3:3, 4.

                 

Next  time: Lefevre d'Estaples-He Wanted the Common People to Know God's Word. 

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