I have commented before on the aural parallel between “fragrance” and “spirit” in Hebrew ( reach , ruach ). The theological import of that parallel is enhanced by the Song’s use of reach as the object of the verb “give” (Song of Songs 1:12; 2:13; 7:13). Perfumes, flowers, mandrakes “give” their aroma that is received by the breath/ ruach of the recipient. Fragrance, like spirit, is given .
And fragrance gives spirit. The fragrance of burnt offerings calmed the Lord’s Spirit, moving Him from anger to favor; the fragrance of burning animals cooled His burning nose. In the Song, the lover and beloved are aroused when they catch the scent of the other. When we give off the fragrance of Christ, that too communicates the Spirit. Catching a whiff of Christ from us, a whiff that is the effect of the Spirit’s fire in us, unbelievers are stirred to seek the One whose fragrance draws them.
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