Bible Dictionary
BALM OF GILEAD
The balm of Gilead was a valued healing or fragrant substance associated with Gilead. Its exact ancient plant is uncertain; proposed sources include balsam-producing trees and the storax tree.
Definition
The balm of Gilead was a valued substance associated with Gilead and traditionally understood as a healing or fragrant product. Its exact ancient plant source is uncertain. Proposed identifications include balsam-producing trees of the Jordan valley and the storax tree, whose inspissated juice may have been called balm.
Biblical Usage
The supplied material treats balm as a recognized product associated with Gilead, but it does not provide a specific biblical usage or theological interpretation.
Historical Background
Modern preparations sold as “Balm of Gilead” from the zaqqum tree have no serious claim to be the ancient balm. Other proposals identify the substance with products of Balsamodendron species or with storax, a common inhabitant of Gilead.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>The people of Jericho today prepare for the benefit of pilgrims a "Balm of Gilead" from the zaqqum (Balanites Aegyptiaca), but this has no serious claims to be the balm of antiquity. If we are to look beyond the borders of modern Palestine we may credit the tradition which claims that Mecca balsam, a product of Balsamodendron Gileadense and B. opobalsamum, was the true "balm," and Post (HDB, I, 236) produces evidence to show that these plants were once grown in the Jordan valley. Yet another suggestion, made by Lagarde, is that the tsori = sturax, and if so then "balm" would be the inspissated juice of the Storax- tree (Stytax officinalis), a common inhabitant of Gilead.</p><p>See also BALM.</p><p>E. W. G. Masterman</p>