Spikenard
Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Israel and Spikenard essential oil.
Spikenard was one of the most expensive perfumes in Yeshua's day. A pound was said to cost an entire year's salary for the average worker. Spikenard is a small attractive perennial. It is usually found growing on rock ledges and mountain slopes and is prized for its aromatic rhizomes. The fragrance of spikenard comes from the "root", the very core of the beloved's being. It seems that this plant was growing in abundance in the Shulamite Bride's garden, since it's mentioned twice in succession, indicating a double portion. Planted in the cleft of the rock and being rooted and grounded in love, could produce this fragrance that symbolizes worshipful adoration.
Spikenard was considered an herb of love, thus when Mary of Bethany poured out her perfume without reservation, it became a powerful symbol of abandoned love. We see in the book of Mark chapter 14 how her extravagant adoration caused a chain reaction. Those around became indignant but that didn't stop her from boldly proceeding to anoint the One she loved. Yeshua vindicated her and her name will therefore always be remembered and her fragrant worship spoken of.
We call this the oil of abandoned love
Scriptures related with this oil can be found on:
Song 4:13-14
Mark 14
