If you're like me, you have only a vague understanding of what the "Balm of Gilead" refers to. Here's what the Bible Dictionary says:
The balm of Gilead is symbolic of the healing power of the atonement of Jesus Christ, the Great Physician. Through the atonement we can be healed from all sickness and afflictions, particularly those of a spiritual nature.
An aromatic gum or spice used for healing wounds (Gen. 43:11; Jer. 8:22; 46:11; 51:8). A bush producing the resin from which the balm was made grew so plentifully in Gilead in Old Testament times that the balm came to be known as the “balm of Gilead” and was exported to Tyre and Egypt (Gen. 37:25; Ezek. 27:17).The prophet Jeremiah asks: "Is there no abalm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?"
The balm of Gilead is symbolic of the healing power of the atonement of Jesus Christ, the Great Physician. Through the atonement we can be healed from all sickness and afflictions, particularly those of a spiritual nature.
Thank you for this Karen, I will think of it each time I sing it now.
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