The Hebrew word merqach refers to a spice mixture or aromatic ointment β the product of mixing and blending fragrant ingredients. It appears in contexts of trade, anointing, and the preparation of sacred mixtures.
Spices in ancient Israel were extraordinarily valuable β their mention in trade lists (Ezekiel 27) and in the gifts of the Queen of Sheba (1 Kings 10:2) indicates their luxury status. But merqach gains its deepest significance in the sacred: the anointing oil of the tabernacle was a carefully prescribed spice mixture (Exodus 30:23β25), and the embalming spices prepared for burial were acts of final honor. In Song of Solomon, fragrant spices evoke intimacy and beauty. Theologically, the ascent of incense (a spiced offering) is an image of prayer rising to God (Psalm 141:2; Revelation 5:8 β the golden bowls full of incense are the prayers of the saints).