Shemen Afarsimon: Difference between revisions
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'''Shemen Afarsimon''' is the holy anointing oil |
'''Shemen Afarsimon''' is the holy anointing oil used in the [[Temple in Jerusalem]]. The oil was used to add fragrance to sacrifices and in the anointment of priests, prophets and kings. It is mentioned in Psalm 133. |
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In April 1988, archeologists discovered a small jug of oil in the [[Qumran]] region that has been identifed as the oil used in the Temple after testing by the Pharmaceutical Department of the [[Hebrew University of Jerusalem]]. |
In April 1988, archeologists discovered a small jug of oil in the [[Qumran]] region that has been identifed as the oil used in the Temple after testing by the Pharmaceutical Department of the [[Hebrew University of Jerusalem]]. |
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The find was announced by the [[New York Times]] on February 15, 1989. In October, 1989, it was featured by [[National Geographic Magazine]]. |
The find was announced by the [[New York Times]] on February 15, 1989. In October, 1989, it was featured by [[National Geographic Magazine]]. |
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<ref>http://www.vendyljones.org.il/anointingoil.htm</ref> |
<ref>http://www.vendyljones.org.il/anointingoil.htm</ref> |
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However, this identification remains controversial. No one today knows exactly what plant was used to produce the biblical ''shemen afarsimon.'' In modern Hebrew, the word ''afarsimon'' is translated as ''persimmon.'' According to one theory, it is the plant ''Commiphora apobalsamum'' - a small shrub, 10 to 12 feet high, with wandlike, spreading branches. The oil extracted from the seeds or branches of this plant has been used as a medicine, but more commonly as incense or perfumed oil. The biblical ''afarsimon'' was considered very valuable, and worth its weight in gold.<ref>http://www.steinsaltz.org/dynamic/DafYomi_details.asp?Id=333</ref> |
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==References== |
==References== |
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Revision as of 10:50, 3 December 2007
Shemen Afarsimon is the holy anointing oil used in the Temple in Jerusalem. The oil was used to add fragrance to sacrifices and in the anointment of priests, prophets and kings. It is mentioned in Psalm 133.
In April 1988, archeologists discovered a small jug of oil in the Qumran region that has been identifed as the oil used in the Temple after testing by the Pharmaceutical Department of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
The find was announced by the New York Times on February 15, 1989. In October, 1989, it was featured by National Geographic Magazine. [1]
However, this identification remains controversial. No one today knows exactly what plant was used to produce the biblical shemen afarsimon. In modern Hebrew, the word afarsimon is translated as persimmon. According to one theory, it is the plant Commiphora apobalsamum - a small shrub, 10 to 12 feet high, with wandlike, spreading branches. The oil extracted from the seeds or branches of this plant has been used as a medicine, but more commonly as incense or perfumed oil. The biblical afarsimon was considered very valuable, and worth its weight in gold.[2]
References
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