A fragrant gum resin exuded in large, light yellowish brown tears from Boswellia trees. Frankincense was imported into Judah by camel caravan from Sheba (Isa 60:6; Jer 6:20). Frankincense could be used for secular purposes as a perfume (Song 3:6, Song 4:6, Song 4:14), but it appears most frequently in the Bible in a religious context.Exod 30:34-38 contains the recipe for a frankincense-based incense dedicated for ritual use. No other incense was permitted on the altar (Exod 30:9), and secular use of the sacred recipe was absolutely forbidden (Exod 30:38). Offerings of frankincense were made at the Temple (Isa 43:23; Isa 66:3; Jer 17:26; Jer 41:5), where it was stored for later use (Neh 13:5; Neh 13:9; 1Chr 9:29). Frankincense was set beside the Bread of the Presence (Lev 24:7) and accompanied cereal offerings (Lev 2:1-2; Lev 14-16:1; Lev 6:14-18). Frankincense was among the gifts offered to the infant Jesus by the magi (Matt 2:11). Rev 18:13 lists frankincense as part of the cargo of the merchants who weep for the fallen city.
