There is a Balm in Gilead

There is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole;
There is a balm in Gilead to heal the sin-sick soul.

Sometimes I feel discouraged And think my work's in vain,
But then the Holy Spirit Revives my soul again. Refrain

If you cannot preach like Peter, If you cannot pray like Paul,
you can tell the love of Jesus And say he died for all. Refrain

Christian Worship 564: African American Spiritual, public domain

Gilead was a mountainous region east of the Jordan River which stretched from the Sea of Gallilee in the north to the Dead Sea in the South. The Balm of Gilead was well known in ancient times as a fragrant, transparent, pale yellow ointment made from the gum of a tree peculiar to that area. It was in demand far and wide, therefore, because it seemed to assist in healing bodily ailments. The Bible refers to the Balm of Gilead in three places:

1. Gen. 37:25 - Joseph was sold into slavery by his 11 brothers to a band of Ishmaelites who had just come from Gilead with balm.
2. Jer. 8:22 - The prophet Jeremiah grieved bitterly for Israel because not even the balm of Gilead could heal their sins.
   
3. Jer. 46:11 - Later in the book, Jeremiah goads Egypt they can't find help or healing in the balm of Gilead.

Biblical References to Balm in Gilead | Biblical References to Gilead
Wikipedia articles: Gilead | Balm of Gilead | Balsam of Mecca | Balsam Poplar
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