What is Frankincense?
It is an aromatic resin used in incense and perfumes, obtained from trees of the genus Boswellia in the family Burseraceae. There are 5 main species of Boswellia that produce frankincense. The resin is hand sorted for quality which is dependent on harvest time.
Frankincense and myrrh belong to the same family of trees, more generally known as the incense tree family. It is native to Northeast Africa (Somalia: Frankincense, Ethiopia: Myrrh) & Arabia (Oman and Yemen). The primary frankincense species, Boswellia Sacra, tolerates the most critical situations and often grows on rocky slopes, ravines, elevation up to 1200m, mostly in calcareous soil and arid conditions.
Frankincense has a fresh, subtle and woodsy aroma. Some describe it as sweet, honey-like, woody fragrance which is stimulating.
Mentions in the Bible
Frankincense was a mandated ingredient in making incense, to be offered to the Lord. (Exodus 30:34-38). This incense with the exact ingredient composition could only be used for the Lord. Anyone who made it for use for himself would be “cut off”.
In grain or meat offerings to the Lord, frankincense was to be added to the offering (Leviticus 2:1-3, 14-16, 6: 14-15, 24: 5-7). However, frankincense was forbidden from being added to sin offerings (Leviticus 5: 11-12).
Frankincense was considered a precious commodity and Levitical priests were charged to guard these ingredients (1 Chronicles 9: 28-29, Nehemiah 13: 4-9).
Frankincense was also used by King Solomon to describe a place of joy, pleasantries and euphoria (Song of Solomon 4: 12-15).
In the New Testament, frankincense was gifted to baby Jesus by the wise men, together with gold and myrrh (Matthew 2: 9-11). Frankincense was only allowed to be offered to the Lord in the Old Testament, hence this perhaps suggests Jesus' real identity that He is God Himself.
The final mention of frankincense in the New Testament is in Revelation 18:11-14, in the destruction of Babylon, when merchants would weep over the loss of buyers for their precious material commodities. Those things that are supposedly rich and splendid would be gone.
Learning and Reflections
What is the most precious commodity we can offer to the Lord today? We no longer need to present physical offerings for the forgiveness of our sins nor create special incense for the Lord. God does not need our physical, expensive and “precious” gifts. Instead, God seeks our heart, soul, strength and mind (Luke 10: 25 – 28). The most precious commodity that you can offer may be your youth, time or energy. Whatever it may be, let's endeavour to manage these precious resources well, with priority to be offered to do God’s work!