A tree producing aromatic sap used in incense and medicine.
About Liquidambar
The Hebrew word tsori (“balm”) may be the basis for the word “storax,” which Zohary takes to be a name for the dried resin of the Liquidambar Liquidambar orientalis, a tree that is also called kataf or nataf in Hebrew. FFB and The Anchor Bible Dictionary (ABD) suggest that tsori is Balanites aegyptiaca, which grows in both Palestine and Egypt, but this position raises a question: Why would the Ishmaelite (or Midianite) traders carry it to Egypt if it is already plentiful there? It is more likely that the word is generic and could cover all kinds of medicinal spices.
Key References
And as they sat down to eat a meal, they looked up and saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead. Their camels were carrying spices, balm, and myrrh on their way down to Egypt.
The LORD also said to Moses, “Take fragrant spices—gum resin, onycha, galbanum, and pure frankincense—in equal measures,
Is there no balm in Gilead? Is no physician there? Why then has the health of the daughter of my people not been restored?
All Scripture References (8)
Genesis (2)
And as they sat down to eat a meal, they looked up and saw a caravan of Ishmaelites coming from Gilead. Their camels were carrying spices, balm, and myrrh on their way down to Egypt.
Then their father Israel said to them, “If it must be so, then do this: Put some of the best products of the land in your packs and carry them down as a gift for the man—a little balm and a little honey, spices and myrrh, pistachios and almonds.
Exodus (1)
The LORD also said to Moses, “Take fragrant spices—gum resin, onycha, galbanum, and pure frankincense—in equal measures,
Jeremiah (3)
Is there no balm in Gilead? Is no physician there? Why then has the health of the daughter of my people not been restored?
Go up to Gilead for balm, O Virgin Daughter of Egypt! In vain you try many remedies, but for you there is no healing.
Suddenly Babylon has fallen and been shattered. Wail for her; get her balm for her pain; perhaps she can be healed.
Ezekiel (1)
Judah and the land of Israel traded with you; they exchanged wheat from Minnith, cakes and honey, oil and balm for your merchandise.
Mark (1)
they will pick up snakes with their hands, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not harm them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will be made well.”