The finest myrrh is derived from the tree itself, while the more ordinary type was harvested by pressing the bark. Myrrh was treasured in ancient civilizations for its fragrance, as reflected in Scripture passages such as Song of Songs 1:13; 5:5; Matthew 2:11; and John 19:39.
Cinnamon, another aromatic component, was considered fragrant; however, some, including Dom Calmet, refer to Rabbinical interpretations suggesting it may not be the cinnamon we know today, perhaps being an alternative like aloe. Mattiol, drawing from Pliny (XII, 19), asserts that cinnamon was not originally found in Arabia but was later imported from Ceylon. Subsequent scholars (Geeren) emphasize the ancient maritime trade routes that connected Arabia with distant shores, including India, through the Red Sea and the Eritrean Sea (Persian Gulf), linking the islands of Bahrain. In India, it was known as Ravendsara; the Hebrew term for cinnamon, which transitioned from the Phoenicians to the Greeks, remains of uncertain origin. Modern commentators tend to agree that the cinnamon referred to in antiquity aligns with the inner bark of the tree identified as Cinnamonum Zeylanicum.
The fragrant reed is recognized by Pliny (XII, 22), who notes its presence in Syria and the Lebanese mountains. In Hebrew, the word 'kane' refers generally to reeds, but the aromatic reed likely corresponds to what we identify as Indian Nard or Vetyver (Andropogon muricatum, Chenu, Bot. I, p. 280). While fresh, it lacks aroma, but once dried, it exudes a delightful fragrance. Cassia, known in Hebrew as Kiddah, is translated by the Seventy as Iris (per Dom. Calmet), though our Slavonic Bible notes it as 'Cassia,' and Silv. de Sacy translates it as 'cannelle.' The cassia tree is related to cinnamon and is scientifically named Cinnamonum Cassia, with both cassia and cinnamon comprised of the inner bark of their respective trees. The formulation of the myrrh included 45 pounds of aromatic substances, complemented by a modest amount of olive oil, specifically 500 shekels of myrrh alongside 1500 gold pieces or around 15 pounds. Additionally, both cinnamon and reed were measured at 77 1/2 pounds each, with cassia at 15 pounds and only a small quantity of olive oil. This measurement aligns with Jewish tradition, which suggests that these aromatic extracts were concentrated through distillation, contributing to their preparation for sacred use.
THEOSIS