Why Did the Magi Bring Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh?
Medicinal uses of frankincense may help explain the gifts of the magi
Were the gifts of the magi meant to save Jesus from the pain of arthritis? It’s possible, according to researchers at Cardiff University in Wales who have been studying the medical uses of frankincense.
Since the early days of Christianity, Biblical scholars and theologians have offered varying interpretations of the meaning and significance of the gold, frankincense and myrrh that the magi presented to Jesus, according to the Gospel of Matthew (2:11). These valuable items were standard gifts to honor a king or deity in the ancient world: gold as a precious metal, frankincense as perfume or incense, and myrrh as anointing oil. In fact, these same three items were apparently among the gifts, recorded in ancient inscriptions, that King Seleucus II Callinicus offered to the god Apollo at the temple in Miletus in 243 B.C.E. The Book of Isaiah, when describing Jerusalem’s glorious restoration, tells of nations and kings who will come and “bring gold and frankincense and shall proclaim the praise of the Lord” (Isaiah 60:6). Although Matthew’s gospel does not include the names or number of the magi, many believe that the number of the gifts is what led to the tradition of the Three Wise Men.
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The traditional gifts of the magi—gold, frankincense and myrrh—may have had symbolic as well as practical value. Researchers believe the medicinal uses of frankincense were known to the author of Matthew’s gospel.
In addition to the honor and status implied by the value of the gifts of the magi, scholars think that these three were chosen for their special spiritual symbolism about Jesus himself—gold representing his kingship, frankincense a symbol of his priestly role, and myrrh a prefiguring of his death and embalming—an interpretation made popular in the well-known Christmas carol “We Three Kings.”
Still others have suggested that the gifts of the magi were a bit more practical—even medicinal in nature. Researchers at Cardiff University have demonstrated that frankincense has an active ingredient that can help relieve arthritis by inhibiting the inflammation that breaks down cartilage tissue and causes arthritis pain. The new study validates traditional uses of frankincense as an herbal remedy to treat arthritis in communities of North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, where the trees that produce this aromatic resin grow. Did the magi “from the East” know of frankincense’s healing properties when they presented it to young Jesus?
Based on Strata, “The Magi’s Gifts—Tribute or Treatment?” Biblical Archaeology Review, January/February 2012.
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This Bible History Daily feature was originally published in December 2011.
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Frankincense and Other Resins Were Used in Roman Burials Across Britain
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The Magi’s valuable gifts, fit for a king, enabled Joseph to have the resources to flee into exile in Egypt escaping from Herod’s assasins.
As a practical person I think the gifts were not only meant for Jesus but for the whole family, frankincense and myrrh was also for Mary who just gave birth and need something to stay healthy and clean both spiritually and physically. Gold has both economic and spiritual value.
Gary, Marilyn,
You both refer to what the bible says but you don’t reference where to find what you’re talking about. I’d be curious to know more about your thought process.
Personally, I will rely on the words of the center of this and so many other debates….the Bible itself.
1 Thes. 5:21
Test everything. Hold on to the good.
To truly believe anything, you must first question it. Until you have thoroughly examined something, you are blind.
Blind faith has become a plague and a powerful weapon used for the opposite of what “Jesus would do”.
We will allow doctors to prescribe chemicals that tend to have as many side effects as our initial root problems, but somehow are unwilling to look into natures long term side effect free, gifts that keep on giving and always have for ages, that are clearly highlighted in the biggest Bible story of them all?
Did God say in the bible, “anti-depressants”, “botox”, “contact lenses”, “life saving laser bypass something or other surgery” ? No….but we believe in our doctors and our medicines heavily. Did God say in the bible, “techno gadgets?” No….but we not only believe in it but rely on those gadgets every day. With all the testing done on those products to make them the success that they are…why wouldn’t we look into ANY possible benefits from these properties that are clearly historically significant?
Peace
One of the enduring mysteries to me is what happened to these most valuable gifts. They could have set Joseph up pretty well but after the giving we hear no more of them.
The Zoroastrians believed that Ahura Madza, the good god of light, was going to send a Messiah to be born in the darkest days of winter. This Messiah was to be conceived by a virgin, after she bathed in a lake. The Zoroastrian Magis lived in opulent wealth away from their followers. Which is the reason why when Islam entered Persia, it steamrolled over Zoroastrianism. Gold, frankincense, and myrrh were precious commodities at that time and was used to aid digestion — it is edible, — arthritis, healing wounds, and its aroma meant life. It was used by the ancient Egyptians for mummifying the dead, and later by Jews, Christians, and Muslims who used them in oil to anoint newborn infants.
i dont get it
I think this is very interesting Lafonda. It tells us about the 3 wise men
I have no problem accepting unbelievers. The problem in these conversations clearly reveal those that “think themselves to be wise” but reveal they believe accepting what the scripture says is less than scholarly. I don’t know if there was 3 or 5 or more of the Maji,, I only know what the Word says confirming their presence and presents. If it took 14 months or so in following the star…so what. All the speculation may be for good argument or perhaps interesting preaching. It’s what it is.
I read the comments by Gabe and seems to me to be very balance and open minded. Would like to here more from ‘gabe’ on dec 25, 2011
Cardiff University were researching the properties of frankincense as a potential help for sufferers of arthritis. They were not making a connection to the Magi – that has been made by others. An interesting jump but it is a jump nonetheless. So, Marilyn, I think they were using their tie wisely as they were attempting to alleviate pain rather than making wild comments on the Bible