Piece of Frankincense

Frankincense is a fragrant gum resin exuded in large, light yellowish-brown tears from the Boswellia trees (Boswellia Carterii, Boswellia Papyifera, Boswellia Thurifera) Which grow in South Arabia, Ethiopia, Somaliland, and India. Frankincense was imported into Judah by camel caravan from Sheba (Isaiah 60:6; Jeremiah 6:20), A trade connection originating with the queen of Sheba’s visit to Jerusalem during the reign of Solomon (1 Kings 10:10; 2 Chronicles 9:9). Frankincense could be used for secular purposes as perfume (Song of Solomon 3:6; 4:6; 14), But it appears most frequently in the Bible in a religious context. Exodus 30:34-38 contains the recipe for a frankincense-based incense dedicated for use by the priests. No other incense was permitted on the altar (Exodus 30:9) And secular use of the sacred recipe was absolutely forbidden (Exodus 30:38). Offerings of frankincense were made at the temple (Isaiah 43:23, 66:3; Jeremiah 17:26; 41:5) Where it was stored for later use (Nehemiah 13:5, 9; I Chronicles 9:29). Frankincense was set beside the Bread of Presence (Leviticus 24:7) and accompanied cereal offerings (Leviticus 2:1-2, 14-16; 6:14-18). It was prohibited with the sin offering (Leviticus 5:11 or a cereal offering of jealousy (Numbers 5:15). Frankincense was among the gifts offered to the infant Jesus by the wise men (Matthew 2:11. Revelation 18:13 lists frankincense as part of the cargo of the merchants who weep for the fallen city.

Myrrh is an aromatic gum that grows in Arabia, Abyssinia, and India. Highly prized from the earliest times (Genesis 37:25), it was used in incense (Exodus 30:23) and as a perfume for garments (Psalms 45:9), or for a lover’s couch (Proverbs 7:17). It was part of the cosmetic treatment used to purify young girls for the King's bed (Esther 2:13), and it was also used in embalming (Mark 15:23; John 19:39). Myrrh Appears among the items of luxury flowing into Babylon (Rome) as it meets its doom (Revelation 18:13). Along with gold and frankincense it exemplifies the rich gifts brought to the infant Christ by the Magi from the East (Matthew 2:11).