Galbanum Anointing Oil

Galbanum grows plentifully on the slopes of the mountain ranges of northern Iran. It is a gum resin obtained from a large perennial herb with resin ducts. The resin is collected by making incisions at the base of the plant.

Galbanum resin often has plant particles, stems and twigs in it, and is one of the ingredients employed in the preparation of the sacred incense. Exodus 10:34   The Hebrew word for galbanum has its roots in cheleb means fat, or to be fat, whether literally or figuratively; hence, the richest or choice part.

The altar of gold for incense was to be placed before the ark that was behind the veil and burnt so that the cloud of incense would cover the mercy seat of God every morning and every evening. 2 Chron 13: 11; Ex 40: 5-6, Ex 30: 7-8, Lev 16: 12-13.

If we look at the use of Galbanum as an Incense ingredient in the tabernacle, we see that we are to give to God our sacrifice of choicest and best prayer daily; to bow before Him at His mercy seat, and the fragrance of our prayers will be like incense to Him. Ps 141:2, Rev 5:8.

In Eph 5: 2 Jesus is our perfect example: “And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.” Just as Galbanum is symbolic of prayer, praise, and sacrifice, so we too are to burn our “spiritual galbanum” daily on our altar of intercession.