The scene dramatically shifts: Who is this that cometh out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all powders of the merchant? The question 'Who is this' (mi-zot, מִי־זֹאת) expresses wonder at a spectacular procession. Cometh out of the wilderness (olah min-hamidbar, עֹלָה מִן־הַמִּדְבָּר) pictures ascending from desert toward Jerusalem (going 'up' to the holy city). Like pillars of smoke (ketimarot ashan, כְּתִימֲרוֹת עָשָׁן) suggests rising clouds of incense or dust. Perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all powders of the merchant (mequtteret mor ulevonah mikol avqat rokhel, מְקֻטֶּרֶת מֹר וּלְבוֹנָה מִכֹּל אַבְקַת רוֹכֵל) describes aromatic spices creating fragrant cloud.
This elaborate procession celebrates the bridegroom (King Solomon, verse 7) coming for his bride with royal splendor. The wilderness-to-Jerusalem journey, fragrant spices, and public spectacle mark significant moment—likely wedding procession. The imagery combines humble origin (wilderness) with glorious arrival (perfumed, spectacular). Spiritually, this prefigures Christ's procession—He came 'from the wilderness' of humble incarnation, yet His arrival brought fragrant offering to God (Ephesians 5:2). The Church will ultimately be presented to Christ in glorious procession (Revelation 19:7-9).
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern wedding processions were public, festive spectacles. The bridegroom would process to collect his bride with attendants, music, and celebration. Incense and perfumes created fragrant atmosphere and signaled importance. Myrrh (mor, מֹר) and frankincense (levonah, לְבוֹנָה) were precious imports used in temple worship (Exodus 30:23, 34) and royal ceremonies. 'Powders of the merchant' (avqat rokhel, אַבְקַת רוֹכֵל) indicates expensive imported spices from traveling traders. The 'wilderness' likely refers to the Judean wilderness east of Jerusalem—processions 'ascending' from lower elevations to the elevated city. Early church fathers saw Christ's incarnation as coming 'from wilderness' (humble origins) yet bringing fragrant offering to God. The pillars of smoke prefigure the pillar of cloud leading Israel (Exodus 13:21). Modern readers see both wedding celebration and Christ's glorious return for His bride.
Questions for Reflection
How does Christ 'come from the wilderness' in your life—entering difficult, barren places to bring His fragrant presence and glory?
What does it mean to live in anticipation of Christ's final 'procession'—His glorious return for His Church?
Analysis & Commentary
The scene dramatically shifts: Who is this that cometh out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all powders of the merchant? The question 'Who is this' (mi-zot, מִי־זֹאת) expresses wonder at a spectacular procession. Cometh out of the wilderness (olah min-hamidbar, עֹלָה מִן־הַמִּדְבָּר) pictures ascending from desert toward Jerusalem (going 'up' to the holy city). Like pillars of smoke (ketimarot ashan, כְּתִימֲרוֹת עָשָׁן) suggests rising clouds of incense or dust. Perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all powders of the merchant (mequtteret mor ulevonah mikol avqat rokhel, מְקֻטֶּרֶת מֹר וּלְבוֹנָה מִכֹּל אַבְקַת רוֹכֵל) describes aromatic spices creating fragrant cloud.
This elaborate procession celebrates the bridegroom (King Solomon, verse 7) coming for his bride with royal splendor. The wilderness-to-Jerusalem journey, fragrant spices, and public spectacle mark significant moment—likely wedding procession. The imagery combines humble origin (wilderness) with glorious arrival (perfumed, spectacular). Spiritually, this prefigures Christ's procession—He came 'from the wilderness' of humble incarnation, yet His arrival brought fragrant offering to God (Ephesians 5:2). The Church will ultimately be presented to Christ in glorious procession (Revelation 19:7-9).