Frankincense was one of the gifts of the Magi (Mt 2:11). Tradition says that it was presented to the Christ Child by Balthasar, the black king from Ethiopia or Saba, thus fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy that gold and frankincense would be brought from the Gentiles to honor the heavenly king (Is 60:6). Frankincense was the purest incense. When burned it produced a white smoke which symbolized the prayers and praises of the faithful ascending to heaven. Because the ancients often burned frankincense during religious rituals, this gift symbolizes sacrifice, Christ's divinity, His sweet savor, and His priestly role. It is also a symbol of the Divine name of God.
Frankincense is a sweet smelling gum resin derived from certain Boswellia trees which, at the time of Christ, grew in Arabia, India, and Ethiopia. The frankincense trade was at its height during the days of the Roman Empire. At that time this resin was considered as valuable as gems or precious metals. The Romans burned frankincense on their altars and at cremations. The mythical Phoenix bird was thought to build its funeral pyre out of frankincense and myrrh. The Israelites also used this popular incense (Is 43:23; 60:6; 66:3; Jer 6:20). Pillars of frankincense's white smoke, accompanying the Bride as she exits the wilderness, represent the pillar of smoke which led the Israelites to the Promised Land, the sweet savor of Christ, the praises and graces of the Christian Church, and the Holy Spirit accompanying Christ as He returns from His testing in the desert (Song 3:6; Lk 4:1, 14).
Frankincense was an ingredient in the sacred incense and holy anointing oil of the Israelites (Ex 30:34-38). It was burnt with almost every sacrifice offered in Jerusalem's temple (Lev 2:1; 2:2; 2:15-16; 6:15). Salt was added to the mixture to produce a fine white smoke. Since frankincense denoted something pleasing and acceptable to God, it was not presented with certain sin or jealousy offerings (Lev 5:11; Num 5:15). A memorial portion of the sacred incense was placed in two gold bowls on a table in the temple on which was placed the twelve loaves known as the bread of the Presence or showbread. This incense was burnt at the end of each week when fresh loaves came to replace the old ones (Lev 24:7; Clarke's Commentary, Ex 25:30). Wisdom was said to give forth a sweet smell like "the fume of frankincense in the tabernacle" (Sirach 24:15; see also Sirach 39:14). Burning frankincense is also an emblem of "the mediation and intercession of Christ" (Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary, Lev 2:12-16). The trouble between Cain and Abel came to a head when Cain offered an unacceptable "minchah" or grain offering of fine flour mixed with frankincense and oil to the Lord. He then became jealous of Abel's offering from the flocks and slew his brother (Gen 4:3-8; Clarke's Commentary). It was not frankincense but obedience and a pure heart which made a sacrifice acceptable to God (Jer 6:20).
Because of the sweet smells which accompanied the Temple sacrifices, Mount Moriah was called the mountain of myrrh and frankincense. Because he highly prized them, Solomon poetically referred to his beloved's breasts as "the mountain of myrrh" and "the hill of frankincense" (Song 4:6). Some commentators believe the sweet "hill of frankincense" symbolizes Calvary while the bitter "mountain of myrrh" represents the garden tomb (Jamieson, Fausset, Brown). The combination of myrrh and frankincense found in the Temple represents the bittersweet nature of repentance.
Frankincense was associated with prayers and burned on pagan altars in Rome, Persia, Babylon, and Assyria. It was also used in purification ceremonies. Nero burned it by the ton. In ancient Babylon one thousand talents of frankincense was burnt on the altar of Bel during his annual feast. Romans burnt this resin in their homes and on state occasions. Large quantities were burnt along the routes of the Roman triumphs or victory parades.
The ancients mixed frankincense with wine and myrrh to create a "strong drink" which eased the pains of the dying, the bitter, and the condemned (Prov 31:6). In China frankincense was thought to be a treatment for leprosy. Pliny recommended it as an antidote to poison. It was made into perfumes by many peoples (Song 3:6). Egyptians used frankincense to make cosmetics, embalm dead bodies, and provide an aromatic warmth on the braziers of their homes in chilly weather. Today frankincense is burnt during church services and funerals to show respect for whatever is symbolized by the objects incensed. (For example - the deceased or an altar.)
Except where otherwise indicated all scripture quotes are from the NKJV.
More information about frankincense is available at:
© 1999 by Suzetta Tucker
To cite this page:
Tucker, Suzetta. "ChristStory Christmas Symbols - Frankincense."
ChristStory Christian Bestiary. 1999. http://ww2.netnitco.net/users/legend01/frankin.htm
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