2006-08-13 07:04:59 · 3 answers · asked by Pythia 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ History
In the SPIRITUAL, "There is a Balm in Gilead" the answer is as follows:
"There is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole.
There is a balm in Gilead to heal the sin-sick soul"
The spiritual, as it goes on, makes it clear that the healing comes from JESUS.
Note that the expression itself is NOT based simply on the fact that Gilead (across the Jordan from the main part of ancient Israel) was famous for a balm to treat wounds. It is, instead, REVERSING the statement of Jeremiah 22:6,13 and 46:2,11 telling Judah and later Egypt....
"Go up to Gilead and get balm, O Virgin Daughter of Egypt, but you multiply remedies in vain; here is no healing for you.”
Jeremiah was declaring (prophesying) that there was nothing that would cure or rescue them from the judgment God was sending.
(The point of the spiritual then is that JESUS is able to do something that was not possible before. NOW there IS a balm in Gilead!)
2006-08-13 11:46:38 · answer #1 · answered by bruhaha 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
"There is a balm in Gilead to heal the sin-sick soul."
Balm is a soothing ointment. The song talks about a place where there's soothing and healing. The song was created during slavery and encompasses the common slavery theme that says that you must go on.
2006-08-16 05:50:27 · answer #2 · answered by quepie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Balm is used for treating wounds . . . it represents being hurt & receiving comfort, aid and healing.
2006-08-13 07:09:17 · answer #3 · answered by whozethere 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋