Did The Biblical Magi Bring Jesus Gifts With Healing Properties?
AncientPages.com - When the Biblical Magi, also referred to as the Three Wise Men visited newborn Jesus, they brought him three gifts, gold, frankincense and myrrh.
Why did the Three Wise Men pick these particular items? Is it possible gifts of the Magi meant to save Jesus from the pain of arthritis?
Biblical scholars and theologians have long debated the significance and meaning of the three gifts.
The Magi by Henry Siddons Mowbray, 1915
In the ancient world, these items were very valuable. Gold was a precious metal, frankincense as perfume or incense, and myrrh as anointing oil.
But is it also possible the Three Wise Men were aware of frankincense’s healing properties when they presented it to baby Jesus?
Researchers from the Cardiff University in Wales who have been studying the medical uses of frankincense discovered it has an active ingredient that can help relieve arthritis by inhibiting the inflammation that breaks down cartilage tissue and causes arthritis pain. The study validates traditional uses of frankincense as an herbal remedy to treat arthritis in communities of North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, where the trees that produce this aromatic resin grow.
See also:
Judas: A Famous Traitor Or A Hero?
Blood Of St. Januarius – One Of The Most Remarkable Christian Relics
Mesha Stele: One Of The Most Valuable Biblical Artifacts
Normally, scholars say that the three gifts were chosen for their special spiritual symbolism about Jesus himself—gold representing his kingship, frankincense a symbol of his priestly role, and myrrh a prefiguring of his death and embalming—an interpretation made popular in the well-known Christmas carol “We Three Kings.”
Frankincense from Yemen.
Yet, is it possible that the three gifts were not only symbolic, but also practical and given to Jesus to make his life better.
Our ancestors were familiar with the value of frankincense and it was used by several ancient civilizations.
Archaeologists examining organic residues in Roman burials have confirmed the use of resins, including frankincense, in Roman funeral rites in Britain. In Egyptian burials, resins have been shown to have been applied during the mummification process.
Copyright © AncientPages.com All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or part without the express written permission of AncientPages.com
Expand for referencesMore From Ancient Pages
-
The Phrase Hip Hip Hooray Has Ancient Roots
Ancient History Facts | Jun 6, 2018
-
Great Flood Myth Told By Klallam People Of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula – Confirmed
Archaeology | May 17, 2019
-
Unexplained Accounts Of Mysterious Fires – ‘Burning’ Questions Remain Unanswered – Part 1
Featured Stories | Aug 2, 2019
-
Rare Medieval Chess Piece And Game Collection Unearthed At A Forgotten Castle
Archaeology | Jun 7, 2024
-
Milk Enabled Massive Steppe Migration
Archaeology | Sep 15, 2021
-
On This Day In History: British Fleet Attacked The Spanish ‘Invincible Armada’ – On July 21, 1588
News | Jul 21, 2016
-
Tahpanhes – Biblical City Where Prophet Jeremiah And King Zedekiah’s Daughters Hid From The Babylonians
Biblical Mysteries | Jul 19, 2021
-
On This Day In History: Favorite Ship Of King Henry VIII ‘Mary Rose’ Sank – On July 19, 1545
News | Jul 19, 2016
-
Freemasons Secrets – American Democracy Is Part Of An Ancient Universal Plan – Egyptian Temple And Legendary Expedition Hold The Clues – Part 2
Civilizations | Jul 13, 2018
-
Drought Triggered Civil Conflict Among The Ancient Maya – Study
Archaeology | Jul 20, 2022
-
Fragments Of 6,500-Year-Old Figurine Of ‘Venus of Egerszeg’ – Unearthed
Archaeology | Jul 21, 2020
-
Colonnaded Hall Decorated With Captivating Frescoes Unearthed At Pompeii
Archaeology | Dec 30, 2024
-
Lost World Of Doggerland: Parts Of Britain’s Sunken Stone Age Atlantis Discovered
Archaeology | Jul 4, 2012
-
Ancient Native Americans’ Encounter With The Star People – An Otherworldly Rescue?
Featured Stories | Jul 20, 2021
-
How Did A Piece Of An ‘Epic’ Viking Sword End Up In The Netherlands?
Vikings | Dec 4, 2024
-
Graffiti Reveals Crusaders’ Beautiful Altar In The Church Of The Holy Sepulchre
Archaeology | Jul 24, 2024
-
On This Day In History: Captain James Cook Spotted The East Coast Of Australia – On Apr 19, 1770
News | Apr 19, 2017
-
Mysterious Ancient Mushrooms In Myths And Legends: Sacred, Feared And Worshiped Among Ancient Civilizations
Featured Stories | Apr 26, 2023
-
Ancient Society In The Sahara Desert Rose And Fell With Groundwater – Study
Archaeology | Oct 15, 2023
-
Megaliths In Central France: 30 Prehistoric Monolith Stones And One Human Skeleton – Unearthed
Archaeology | Sep 11, 2019