As a priest, I frequently reference different scriptures in the Bible, trying to find understanding and meaning from these sacred texts. Today, I would like to talk about a plant mentioned multiple times in the Bible: calamus. Predominantly described as a fragrant plant and often used in creating incense, calamus finds its place in several Biblical verses, though it bears absolutely no correlation to marijuana.
One of the first mentions is in Exodus 30:23, where it is included in the anointing oil recipe used for priests. The scripture states, “Take the following fine spices: 500 shekels of liquid myrrh, half as much (that is, 250 shekels) of fragrant cinnamon, 250 shekels of fragrant calamus.” Even though this scripture refers to the holy anointing oil constituents exclusively, it emphasises the aromatic properties that calamus contains.
In the Song of Solomon 4:12–14, the calamus is again mentioned in a poetic context, used to praise the bride’s charms. Solomon describes her thus: “You are a garden locked up, my sister, my bride; you are a spring enclosed, a sealed fountain. Your plants are an orchard of pomegranates with choice fruits, with henna and nard, nard and saffron, calamus and cinnamon, with every kind of incense tree, with myrrh and aloes and all the finest spices.”
Calamus is again alluded to in Isaiah 43:24, where God manifests his complaint against Israel, saying, “You have not bought any fragrant calamus for me, or lavished on me the fat of your sacrifices. But you have burdened me with your sins and wearied me with your offenses.”
The continued references to calamus in Jeremiah 6:20 and Ezekiel 27:18–19 highlight its significance as an aromatic plant, a part of offerings and as an export item.
In Hebrew, the word used to translate calamus is linked to “cane” or “reed”. While it’s not always straightforward to associate an ancient plant like calamus with modern counterparts, it is clearly distinct from plants like marijuana. Today, even though the essential oil of the cannabis flower is used in fragrance, the rest of the plant is not particularly aromatic, hence unlikely to be the Biblical calamus.
Notably, various other plants, including the sweet flag or Acorus calamus, have also been associated with the calamus mentioned in the Bible. As we discover more about these ancient plants, it helps contextualize the scriptures and offers a glimpse into the traditions and cultures of Biblical times.
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