The Story of Anointing Oil
Frankincense & Myrrh
Rose of Sharon
Lily of the Valley
Latter Rain
Spikenard

Frankincense & Myrrh

Both Frankincense (Boswellia) & Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha) are resins produced by certain trees that grow on both sides of the Red Sea. Along with gold, they were given to the Lord Jesus by the wise men as symbols of his humanity, his coming sufferings and his diety (Mt 2:11)

Myrrh was used as part of the holy anointing oil (Ex 30:22) and frankincense was part the holy incense (Ex 30:34). Frankincense was also part of the tabernacle offering as 2 golden cups of it were placed on the table of showbread (one for each row of six) (Lev 24:7).

Rose of Sharon

While we are uncertain of the modern translation of "Rose of Sharon", many scholars agree it is most likely the cistus, or rock-rose commonly found in the Mount Carmel area of Palestine. Jesus is often called the "Rose of Sharon" because of the beauty and sweetness His presence brings.

Song of Songs 2:1 I [am] the Rose of Sharon, [and] the lily of the valleys.

Lily of the Valley

The term "lily" covered a wide variety of flowers ranging from colorful to the purest of white. It is probably the latter to which Jesus refers when He told us to "Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these." (Mt 6:28-29).

This lesson from our Lord is intended to teach the very great love and care available for those who trust in Him.

Song of Songs 2:1 I [am] the Rose of Sharon, [and] the lily of the valleys.

Latter Rain

As often happens in the Scriptures, the term "latter rain" bears both a temporal & spiritual meaning. God desires to bless His people with the "former" rain moderately and then the "latter" rain allowing us to gather in the harvest intended for those who love our God. "that I will give the rain of your land in it's season, the former rain and the latter rain, that thou mayest gather in thy grain, and thy new wine, and thine oil." (Dt 11:14)

Deuteronomy 11:14
That I will give [you] the rain of your land in his due season, the first rain and the latterrain, that thou mayest gather in thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil.

Proverbs 16:15
In the light of the king's countenance [is] life; and his favour [is] as a cloud of the latter rain.

Spikenard

Pure Nard esteemed by the ancients as one of the most precious perfumes, was used by Mary to anoint the head and the feet of Jesus then dry them with her hair in total expression of her love, devotion and appreciation. (John 12:3; Mark 14:3). It is the root of an Indian plant, Nardostachys Jatamansi , of the family of Valeriance, growing in the Himalaya mountains.

Mark 14:9 "Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her."