Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then is there no recovery for the health of the daughter of my people? In Jeremiah 8:22 these questions are asked, but I find myself asking these same questions today with all the “walking wounded” I encounter each day. When will we see the healing needed for nations who suffer from war and chaos, even our nation who claims to still be “One nation under God” yet mocks and contradicts the mere existence of its Christian inheritance? My heart breaks as even my own children struggle with the inhumane acts of our government who claim to know God but practice pagan genocides, believing that they are gods themselves and untouchable by mere men. Who are we that believe we have “the right” to wipe out and destroy other ethnic, racial or religious groups because they don’t believe like we do or come from where we come from? Did God himself not create man in His own image? So is not any man a reflection of a Divine Deity that we dare not cross? God forbid that we choose right over wrong, love over hatred, or healing over harm.
The Bible references that in ancient times there came from Gilead, which lies east of the Jordan, a balm from a tree used to heal and soothe the wounds of men. Known as the Balm of Gilead, it was a major commodity of trade in the ancient world. This Balm of Gilead or balsam of Mecca, was a myrrh-like resin from balsam poplar fir tree and figuratively signified a kind of universal cure. Its resin was fragrant yet sticky and used medicinally. It was also an ingredient used in the holy anointing oil and for embalming the body after death. Was it just coincidence that these three costly gifts were brought by the Magi to the Christ child – gold, frankincense and myrrh? When in fact these precious gifts signified the suffering and even death of the Kings of Kings when he would be taken down from the cross and his body prepared for burial by wrapping in linen and the fragrant spices. How fitting that we now so need this same Savior to once again come back to save those of us who choose life instead of death!
Though a true ointment, the Balm of Gilead also symbolized a spiritual healing as well as a physical one. It symbolized the power of God and the saving grace of Jesus, because true healing only comes from a higher power, not just from earthly remedies of the past. And today America needs a true awakening and healing touch from the Only One who can heal all our diseases, not just of the body but of the mind because too many today have “sick” minds full of malice and deception.
In Hebrew, “Gilead” means heap of testimony. It is actually derived from two words: “gal” meaning “heap” or “mound” or “hill” and “ed” meaning “witness” or “testimony.” In biblical times people would often use mounds of stones to mark a place of significance to serve as a visual marker for generations to “witness” a covenant made as a “hill of testimony.” So today I will pile up my mounds of columns, articles and journals as testaments of my faith to be a witness to the next generation. I will not remain silent while leaders inflict pain and persecution on others. In fact, I will warn those who choose death and destruction as a way of life. The Bible states in Jeremiah 46:11 “…In vain you will use many medicines but you will not be cured” so beware of your “cure” for this world. Be not deceived; God’s judgement extends to all nations who do not follow His ways and truly know Him. When people are deceived and look elsewhere for their spiritual fulfillment, calling evil good and good evil, then note that God Himself will cut you off from the earth. For the enemy only chooses to kill, steal and destroy, but my Christ and my Lord came to fulfill his covenant with his people.
The Balm of Gilead is a powerful symbol of Christ’s power in the life of a believer whose initial covenant was established in the book of Genesis. In Genesis 37 it literally references the spices, balm and myrrh intentionally that were loaded on the camels. Though Joseph in this passage is thrown into a pit and sold out by his own brothers to be taken to a foreign land and made a slave, God doesn’t forget his purpose for a greater plan. God was still with him and was able to heal any wound, emotional, physical or spiritual. Hence it was his brothers who later came to him during a famine to survive. Isn’t it funny how God can take man from a pit to the palace! In the end, the Balm of Gilead, the Great Physician, Christ Himself is the only healing for all nations!
“But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.”(Isaiah 53:5) So yes, this is a Balm in Gilead! There is a Great Physician who can heal every part of us if we will only submit to His authority.
Charles Spurgeon stated, “Within the Scripture there is a balm for every wound, a salve for every sore.” So for those who are wounded and hurting, cry out to God while there is still time and get ready to leave this world behind for good! There is healing for all who call upon His name – the name of Jesus. Only He can save us.
