Frankincense

Frankincense (Hebrew lebonah; Greek libanos, meaning "white") is an aromatic resin obtained by cutting the bark of trees of the genus Boswellia, primarily native to southern Arabia (Yemen and Oman), the Horn of Africa, and India. It was among the most prized luxury trade goods of the ancient world and features prominently in the biblical cult. In the Mosaic system, pure frankincense was added to the grain offering as the portion burned for God (Leviticus 2:1–2) and was placed beside the showbread in the tabernacle (Leviticus 24:7). A special compound incense formula — frankincense combined with other spices — was burned on the golden altar twice daily (Exodus 30:34–38) and was so sacred that reproducing it for personal use was forbidden under penalty of death.

Frankincense was imported into Israel from Arabia and the East via the great incense roads — a trade that made the Queen of Sheba's visit to Solomon (bringing "spices, and very much gold, and precious stones") commercially plausible. Isaiah 60:6 prophesies camels from Midian bringing gold and frankincense to glorify the LORD. In the New Testament, the Magi presented the infant Jesus with gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Matthew 2:11) — gifts of royalty, priesthood, and burial that the church has long read as prophetic of Christ's offices. Revelation 18:13 lists frankincense among the luxury goods of the great trading city whose fall is mourned.