The Balm of Gilead was an ancient and highly precious ointment used for soothing and healing. Mentioned several times in the Bible and taking its name from the region of Gilead where it was produced, it was an important commodity in the ancient world. Its name has become synonymous with healing and soothing power. "There is a Balm in Gilead" is an African-American spiritual that compares the healing balm to the saving power of Jesus – the one true remedy that never fails to heal our wounds – of spirit, soul, and body.
Jeremiah 8:21-22 "For the hurt of the daughter of my people am I hurt; I am black; astonishment hath taken hold on me. Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?"
Botanical information:
The Balm of Gilead is a fast-growing deciduous tree that can reach 30 meters in height at maturity. It is a hybrid tree resulting from the cross between the poplar and the eastern cottonwood. Today, the term commonly refers to the buds of a species of North American poplar.
ISBN: 870595006356