The Grands Letter

Dear Grands & All,

A further word about the gifts of the magi in Matthew 2:11…

Ellicott’s Commentary, which is admittedly my first reach, says,

“Gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.—These were natural enough as the traditional gifts of homage to a ruler. Compare the gifts sent by Jacob to Joseph (Genesis 43:11 ), and Psalms 45:8 , for the myrrh and spices; Psalms 72:15 , for the gold; Isaiah 60:6 , for gold and incense. The patristic interpretation of the gifts as significant—the gold, of kingly power; the incense, of Divinity; the myrrh, of death and embalmment…”

Nave’s Topical Bible adds,

“Frankincense

• An ingredient of the sacred oil (Ex 30:34)

• Used with showbread (Le 24:7)

• Used with meat offerings (Le 2:1,2,15,16 6:15)

• Prohibited, in sin offerings when they consist of turtledoves or pigeons (Le 5:11)

• In making an offering of memorial (Nu 5:15)

• A perfume (So 3:6)

• Commerce in (Re 18:11-13)

• Used as an incense (Isa 43:23 60:6 66:3 Jer 6:20).”

All of this notwithstanding, we must never forget that Jesus Christ is ALIVE,

and promises to Return for us, His Church! Thus we must not be found

spiritually asleep, but awake and alert to His Coming!

We love you all and hold you in our prayers daily,

Nana & Dado III

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas