Balm of Gilead

Last Sunday as I was praying and worshipping,  I heard God say, "The balm of Gilead has been applied." Now I don't really know what that is so when I got some time, I started researching what the Balm of Gilead is and what it means. It is mentioned in the Bible three times.  It is resin taken from a flowering tree in the Middle East, specifically from the area of Gilead.  Gilead was the place that made and sold the balm. It was believed to have healing properties and was very fragrant.  The balm was like a salve that would be used for healing injuries.

The men that purchased Joseph from his brothers  were from Gilead and were on their way to sell balm in Egypt.  (Genesis 37:25)  and Jeremiah mentioned it twice actually in more of a spiritual sense saying that even the Balm of Gilead could not help the things going on. (Jeremiah 22:8, Jeremiah 46:11) Historically, it may have also been one of the items prepared and used to embalm Jesus' body. 

Gilead is a name with meaning. Gilead means 'a heap of testimony ' or 'a hill of testimony.' Gilead had mountain and was a place even King David went to for safety.
Balm of Gilead has a figurative meaning for something that heals or a cure.

I believe God was telling me that His healing has been applied and He is taking care of the situation. His healing will also bring about a testimony. When we allow God to heal and move in our situations, when we trust Him; we end up with a testimony.  We will be standing on the mountain top and will be able to proclaim victory through Jesus.  When God applies His healing ointment, there is relief and time situation will begin to be good rather than painful. It will have a sweet fragrance rather than hurt. God will bring about the good for us.  We will be able to declare the works of the Lord and tell others what He has done. It will become our testimony.  God is so good.


I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, Sovereign Lord ; I will proclaim your righteous deeds, yours alone.
Psalm 71:16 NIV