Essence of Day

Essence of Day is a study of ancient aromatic anointing oils, incense, plants and the Anointed One. This study explores how providing a fragrant offering was an important part of the Hebrew covenant worship. Aromas and herbs were used in conjunction with the seven most important holy days or festivals in Israel: 1) the Day of Rest (Shabbat); 2)the Festival of Unleavened Bread (Passover); 3) the presentation of the Torah (Shavuot) celebrated along with 4) the Festival of the Harvest (Feast of Weeks), that ends at Pentecost; 5) the Festival of Trumpets for the sounding of the New Year; 6) the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur); and the Festival of the Booths (Sukkot) celebrated with 7) the Festival of the First Fruits (first born). Plant compounds were used in the holy anointing oil and the holy incense which were required for covenant worship and were used in conjunction with: the Ark of the Covenant; the Lampstand; the Altar of Incense; the Table of the Bread of Presence; the Basin; and the Altar of Burnt Offering. This has been a thought-provoking study for me. It should have a positive impact on your understanding of the tabernacle (God's dwelling place) as well as the covenant law "as a copy and a shadow of heavenly things" (Hebrews 8:5 KJV). With a few exceptions, each chapter is titled after the name of a specific plant. In each chapter, the plant's properties are explored to show you how they address the human condition. When fragrance is included along with a Scripture story, you will find that it engages the senses, reinforces listening, increases receptivity, solidifies memory impression, and provides balm for your soul. Today, the study of aromatic plant compounds is called "aromatherapy," or aroma science. It is primarily carried out with essential oils, specifically when they are blended for a variety of reasons. The study of aromatherapy, defined by Annette Davis, president of the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA), states: "Aromatherapy is a part of a larger field called phytotherapy (plant therapy). True aromatherapy is the skilled use of genuine essential oils for therapeutic purposes. Science, education and experience allow aromatherapy to truly become a holistic art." Other experts quoted on NAHA.com include Robert Tisserand and Gabriel Mojay. According to Tisserand, Aromatherapy is beneficial "to restore balance to the mind, body and soul." Mojay states that Aromatherapy's purpose is "to maintain and promote physical, psychological and spiritual well being." This is an in-depth study of some of the plants which have been recorded in the Hebrew Scriptures, and which were used for covenant worship when aromatics had a defined role in the worship of Yahweh (which means "I-Am). I believe aromatics and the part of our brain that interprets smells (olfaction) were designed by our Creator so that men and women might connect to a basic human need - one that we cannot fully explain when we sense, seek out, and desire a relationship with our Creator God.