Biblical Oils - Cedarwood

Do you remember me saying that when I read the Bible I often read over words I don't understand, like cities or land locations? Of course, I've written posts in the past based on the importance of some of these places. Well, now I'm admitting to doing the same thing when it comes to sacrifices or cleansing processes in the Bible. Take for instance today's topic, Cedarwood. Look at Leviticus 14 and Numbers 19.

Some translations see the Cedarwood in Leviticus 14 as wood not an oil. Yet, it's part of the purification process after a house has been cleansed of mildew (NIV); sounds like the work of an oil to me. And by the way, I think the "mildew" translation makes better sense than a brown or red plague happening on a wall.

In Numbers 19 Cedarwood is part of the burnt offering of a red heifer for cleansing and purification from sin. And, we again see a wood whose oil is not just part of a renewal process but also the restoration that God will do to the land of Israel. (Ezekiel 17, 31 and Isaiah 41)

The godly are said to grow as tall and strong as a cedar in Psalm 92. This brings up a comparison I'd like to share. The tree species used for the oil which comes from the US and Morocco is said to be closely related to the cedars of Lebanon. When I think of the cedars of Lebanon I think of the redwoods of California. They are majestic and fit all the descriptions ever written about the cedars of Lebanon. Can you imagine having faith so strong that you could be compared to the huge redwoods that can't even be completely photographed in one close-up picture?

And the Bible eludes to this size when it describes cedars as the resting place of a giant eagle in Ezekiel 17. But Cedars were known for more than their beauty. (Numbers 24) They are also mentioned as an example of strength in something such as the tail of a giant animal in Job 40. The covering of a young girl's female parts in Song of Solomon 8.

Curiously, Strong's Concordance and Thompson Chain Reference Bible list cedar only as a wood, not an oil. In any case, either as an oil or as a wood there are far more references to Cedarwood than the previous woods we've discussed. I must admit when I first started writing about essential oils in the Bible I thought the oils of today would be oils in the Bible. But they're not. Nevertheless these oils, as trees, did have some purpose in the Bible. Actually, there are two other kinds of cedar oil, Western Cedar oil and Cedar Leaf oil, each has its own chemical make-up and particular uses. Cedarwood is the only one that is referred to as being in the Bible.

So if Cedarwood was only a wood in the Bible, would essential oil qualities have been seen?

Well, Cedar gives off a strong aroma which would have filled any house built with it. I have to believe that's why it was used in the building of David's palace, in the beloved's bedroom and in each of the temples. (2 Samuel; 1 Kings; 1 and 2 Chronicles; Song of Solomon; Ezra) Do not under estimate the benefits of aromatherapy. The aromatic effects of any essential oil puts it into use in multiple industries in the modern age.

An interesting fact I found in Essential Oils pocket reference is that the Egyptians used the oil for embalming the dead. It also states that the people of Tibet used it for incense and medicine. Presently, it is used for its calming and purifying properties. Because its therapeutic actions ultimately stimulate the release of melatonin many have used it for attention deficit issues as well as a sleep aid.

Isn't interesting that an oil known to kill fungus (mildew) can also calm the body enough to induce sleep? Hmm. Oh, but there's more. It's used as an antiseptic, astringent, diuretic and, get this, insecticide. Lovely. Which is probably why some sources say you should never consume it and why pregnant women need to avoid it. Some forms of this oil can be potent, so if you're unsure about your brand please check with your doctor or an aromatherapist before using it.

I must admit I have not tried this oil. BUT. I have heard wonderful success stories of diffused Cedarwood helping to induce a good night's rest, something that eludes many. Just one more example of how God provides for us through things in nature.