The Balm in Gilead

In Jeremiah 8:22 God’s prophet asked a rhetorical question: “Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there?” The question was rhetorical because the answer was obvious. There was plenty of balm in Gilead, and there were plenty of physicians there to apply it.

The balm in Gilead was an ointment used as a perfume, but more often as a cure all. Although this balm does not grow there now, it was once exported all around the world. It began to be used to refer to a metaphorical healing as well. Those who were sick would apply the balm, but those who were in a jam would say they needed the balm in Gilead. If there were no crops and no money, they would say they needed the balm in Gilead. If they were stressed and depressed, they would say they needed the balm in Gilead. No matter what was wrong with the person or the country as a whole, the balm in Gilead could bring the cure.

Jeremiah had just prophesied the coming disaster for the southern kingdom of Judah because they were refusing to live according to God’s law. After giving them a warning about God’s judgment, he asked the question in verse twenty-two. In other words, if the nation would repent of their sins and come back to Christ, they would receive the balm in Gilead because the promised calamity would not come.

Jesus is the Balm in Gilead who, according to the old spiritual, heals the sin-sick soul. Yes, He is the Great Physician, and we call out to Him for physical healing. More importantly, He heals our greatest need, and that is to be brought back into a right relationship with our Creator. Many people look a hundred different directions to find peace, but Jesus offers a peace that passes our understanding. We take the twelve steps, only to find we aren’t any closer to peace. We can change houses or change spouses; we can shop till we drop; we can lose weight or go on a date; we can buy a new car or spend time at the bar, but those things only offer temporary relief at best. They offer a temporary solution to our permanent problem.

Jesus offers a permanent solution to our permanent problem. If we allow Him, He will remove the sin that separates us from God.

The final part of Jeremiah’s question was this: since there is plenty of balm in Gilead, “Why then is there no recovery for the health of the daughter of my people?” The solution is available, but the people are not reaching for it. The doctor has prescribed the remedy, but they are not taking their pills. If you are not at peace with God—if your sin still separates you from Him—then simply take what the doctor has ordered. Jesus is the Balm in Gilead, and He wants to heal your sin-sick soul.