The word balm is derived from balsam, which originated from the Greek word pronounced balsamon, which was adopted to represent the Hebrew words baal shemen, meaning “lord of oils.” The Balm of Gilead, is an aromatic resin used for medical purposes that was exported from Tyre. This is seen in scriptures where it is mentioned that the Ishmaelites who carried Joseph into Egyptian bondage were also Gilead balm traders. The book of Psalm also speaks about Bacha (weeping) where it says ‘How blessed is the man whose strength is in Thee; in whose heart are the highways {to Zion} Passing through the valley of Baca, they make it a spring, the early rain also covers it with blessings. They go from strength to strength, {every one of them} appears before God in Zion. There is further mention of these trees in the books of second Samuel and first Chronicles where we are told the story of how David inquired of the LORD whether to go up against the enemy or not and God instructed “You shall not go {directly} up; circle around behind them and come at them in front of the balsam trees.
Tab below to download ANOINTING BALM IN GILEAD by Dr Paul Enenche (36mb)
