This is a well-known negro spiritual, which has an interesting meaning.
The “balm in Gilead” is quoted in the Old Testament, but the lyrics of this spiritual refer to the New Testament (Jesus, Holy Spirit, Peter, and Paul). This difference is interesting to comment. In the Old Testament, the balm of Gilead cannot heal sinners. In the New Testament, Jesus heals everyone who comes to Him.
So, in the book of Jeremiah, several verses speak about Gilead. In chapter 22, v. 6 and 13: The Lord says (about the palace of the king of Judea) “Though you are like Gilead to me, like the summit of Lebanon, I will surely make you like a desert, like towns inhabited… Woe to him who builds his palace by unrighteousness, making his countrymen work for nothing, not paying them for their labour”.
In the same book of Jeremiah, chapter 46, v. 2 and 11, “This is the message (of the Lord) against the army of Pharaoh Neco … Go up to Gilead and get balm, O Virgin Daughter of Egypt, but you multiply remedies in vain; here is no healing for you”.
In the New Testament, the four Gospels say that Jesus healed many people whatever their conditions: he can heal the poor. A Christian who feels the Spirit must share its faith and “preach”, like Peter and Paul.
15 comments
Comments feed for this article
March 9, 2010 at 10:51 pm
JoeM
Interesting comparison (Old and New Testament references). I had never understood the lyrics. Thanks for enlightening me!
September 22, 2010 at 1:15 pm
vincent
I have been searching this passage for sometime now and finally got it from this sight and now I just want to thank you for making thing more clear.
August 14, 2011 at 4:32 pm
kieyanah
My Fav Singer / Role Model (Karen Clark Sheard) Has An Old Song Entitled “Balm In Gilead” &’ I Never Really Understood What She Meant .. I Know I’m Only 15 But I Still Wanted To Know ..
September 30, 2011 at 9:03 am
Susan Truett
Curious about the reference..thanks. I found “Balm in Gilead” as both Ricki Lee Jones recent album and in a book of poetry collected by Catholic Archbishop and true holy man Desmond Tutu. Thanks again! Peace on all souls. Susan
November 4, 2011 at 3:34 pm
keith ndlovu
Tutu was an Anglican archbishop.
September 30, 2011 at 11:57 am
helenl
Glad you enjoyed this, Susan.
October 4, 2011 at 10:34 am
Papa Ken
Thanks for the interpretation. The choir sang the hymn last Sunday and I wondered what it was about.
October 4, 2011 at 1:00 pm
helenl
Glad you found this, Papa Ken.
May 10, 2012 at 4:08 pm
Rashayla
This is mentioned in a line of a stanza from the poem “The Raven” by Edgar Allan Poe. The poem reads,
“… ‘..Whether tempter sent, or whether tempest tossed thee here ashore,
Desolate yet all undaunted, on this desert land enchanted -
On this home by horror haunted – tell me truly, I emplore -
Is there – is there balm in Gilead? – tell me – tell me, I emplore!’
Quoth the raven, ‘Nevermore.’”
What would the phrase mean, being used in this text?
May 19, 2012 at 12:48 pm
Janice Godfrey
He is asking the Raven if he will find solace for his sorrow, his heartbreak in the afterlife. Later he asks if he will hold her again after death but the raven – sitting on the bust of Pallas Athena – goddess of wisdom (and war) tells him “Nevermore.” Note the juxtaposition of ancient and Judeo/Christian stories.
May 22, 2012 at 7:05 am
barry
There is no balm for apostasy, the state in which Israel finds itself- the message that Jeremiah was commanded to give. In this case, only repentance can save Israel but they are too far gone to appreciate it, and judgement must follow. We find the souls of 2012 in this same quandary, and the same solution applies- Repentance.
Old testament repentance brought the righteousness of GOD, whilst New Testament repentance brings salvation in Christ.
August 11, 2012 at 10:18 am
penfire
Wonderful answer, Barry ! Amen!
May 22, 2012 at 10:00 am
helenl
“Israel too far gone”? The thread was about the meaning of the gospel song, no what you think. But thanks for your opinion, Barry. Please let others have theirs without condemnation.
August 13, 2012 at 8:36 pm
Luis
Why people are so scared to mention israel. Once you say Israel, they run for cover.
September 29, 2012 at 11:40 am
Brenda
Israel is God’s chosen people…non-believer’s are condemned by their own unbelief…People are jealous of their prosperity as a chosen people. It would be in the best interest of the United States of America to stand with and behind this nation….Israel….