[Greek] λίβανος (libanos), [Hebrew] leḇō·nā(h)), [Old French] francincense : frankincense, frankincense tree, incense, aromatic resin, Mt.2:11, Rev.18:13
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means frankincense.
Herodotus’ The Histories 4.75: “But their Scythian women pound cypress and cedar frankincense wood on a rough stone, adding water also, and with the thick stuff thus pounded they anoint their bodies and faces, as a result of which not only does a fragrant scent come from them, but their skin becomes clear and shining.”
Sophocles’ Oedipus Tyrannus: “Princes of the land, I am planning to visit the shrines of the gods, with the wreathed branch and these gifts of incense in my hands.”
Euripides’ Bacchae 144: states “The Bacchic one, darts about like the smoke of Syrian incense.”
Uses: Frankincense, found in Arabia and East Indies, is a highly sought commodity. This incense was widely used for cultic purposes for sacrifices and offerings. This incense appears as a white resin, obtained by making incisions in the bark of the frankincense tree. This incense is used for masking the smells and stench of sacrifices. This incense, mixed with wine, is given to sacrificial victims to help numb the pain.
Geography: There is mention of a town Lebonah in Jud. 21:19. Lebonah is located north of Jerusalem, close to Shiloh. The country of Lebanon is located in the Middle East on the Mediterranean Sea north of Israel. The name Lebanon derives its meaning for the Hebrew Lebonah, meaning white. The whiteness comes from its snow packed mountain range.
Mount Lebanon range runs parallel to the Mediterranean coast in Lebanon
Old Testament: Frankincense was a widely used and need commodity for sacrifices and offerings.
New Testament:
“Then they opened their treasures and offered Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” Mt.2:11
Frankincense represents priestly sacrificial role of Jesus.
Conclusion:
Lebanon, frankincense
I already understood the meanings and importance of the incense. However, the Old French term franc actually means noble, true, pure, and highest quality, rather than French. I was most surprised that the country name Lebanon is derived from this term. I didn’t know that it snows in Lebanon’s mountain range. Lebanon has six ski resorts!
Incense also can represent the prayers rising to heaven in the liturgy.
So I have made this post short and sweet (smelling) like incense! So there is one more (myrrh) gift to bring (to your attention). ☺