The Use of Herbs in the Bible and Their Spiritual Lessons

As spring approaches and I prepare to start seeds in my greenhouse and plant my raised garden beds, I find myself reflecting on the role of herbs in the Bible. From the beginning of creation, God provided plants not only for nourishment but also for healing, worship, and spiritual lessons.

God’s Provision Through Herbs

In Genesis 1:29, God tells Adam and Eve:"Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat."From the very beginning, God’s creation included herbs for food and medicine. Today, we still benefit from the healing properties of herbs like mint, thyme, and oregano—many of which I’m planting in my own garden this season.

Herbs Used for Worship and Healing

Throughout Scripture, herbs are mentioned not only for their practical uses but also as part of worship and spiritual cleansing.

• Hyssop: Used for purification, hyssop is mentioned in Exodus 12:22 when the Israelites marked their doorposts with blood during Passover. David also prayed in Psalm 51:7, "Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow." Hyssop reminds us of the cleansing power of God's forgiveness.

• Frankincense and Myrrh: These resins, harvested from trees, were used in incense and anointing oils. They were part of the gifts given to Jesus at His birth (Matthew 2:11), symbolizing His priestly and sacrificial roles.

• Aloe and Myrrh: Used for burial, these herbs were brought by Nicodemus to prepare Jesus' body for the tomb (John 19:39). They represent healing, honor, and sacrifice.

Lessons From the Mustard Seed

One of my favorite biblical references to plants is the mustard seed. Jesus compared faith to a mustard seed in Matthew 17:20:"If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."This reminds me that even as I plant small seeds in my garden, I must also plant small acts of faith in my daily life. God can grow something mighty from what seems insignificant.

Growing Spiritually Like a Well-Tended Garden

Just like tending a garden requires patience, care, and the right environment, our spiritual lives need nurturing too. Here are a few ways to cultivate a "spiritual garden":

• Plant the Word in your heart (Psalm 119:11) – Just as I plant seeds in good soil, I need to sow Scripture in my heart daily.

• Water your soul with prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) – Plants need water, and our spirits need the living water of prayer.

• Pull out the weeds of sin (Hebrews 12:1) – A garden left untended will be overtaken by weeds, just as sin can choke our faith if we don’t keep it in check.

• Wait patiently for growth (Galatians 6:9) – Some seeds sprout quickly, others take time, but God is always at work in our lives.

Conclusion

As I start my seeds and prepare my garden beds, I’m reminded of God’s provision, healing, and the many spiritual lessons found in the plants He created. Whether it’s hyssop for cleansing, mustard seeds for faith, or aloe for healing, herbs in the Bible show us that God has always provided for both our physical and spiritual needs.

So, as we dig into the soil this spring, let’s also dig into His Word, trusting that He will grow something beautiful in our hearts.