Exodus 12:22-23 Drain the lamb's blood into a basin, and then take a cluster of hyssop branches and dip them into the lamb's blood, and strike the hyssop against the lintel above the door and against the two side panels, so that there will be blood upon them, and none of you shall go outside all night. For JEHOVAH will pass through the land and kill the Egyptians; but when HE sees the blood upon the panel at the top of the door and on the two side pieces, HE will pass over that house and not permit the Destroyer to enter and kill your firstborn. [Living Bible translation]
Psalms 51:7,10 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow...Create in me a pure heart, O GOD, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. [New International Translation]
In Biblical times herbs were used for their culinary qualities, their medicinal qualities and they sometimes had spiritual significance. For example when GOD instituted Passover as a memorial meal so that Jewish people throughout all generations would remember what HE did for them when HE brought them out of slavery and from annihilation under Egyptian rule and tyranny, GOD instructed Moses and Aaron to use a number of herbs. The "bitter herbs" for example in the meal were symbolic of the bitterness and harshness of the slavery the people suffered.
Hyssop was an herb specifically named in GOD's instructions to Moses and Aaron. The people were to take a cluster of hyssop branches, dip the branch in the Passover lamb's blood and smear the blood over the top of the doors and along the two side panels in each of their houses. When GOD executed HIS judgment through the land of Egypt, HE passed over the houses "covered under the blood of the lamb," and those inside the house, were saved from the plague of death that would strike any "uncovered" household.
Later, hyssop was used in as part of the ceremonial cleaning of the temple and as part of purification ceremonies such as the leprosy purification. Part of the leprosy purification ceremony involving the former leper and the priest using hyssop as part of the "cleansing," of the leper who formerly had to yell out "unclean." See Leviticus 14. Perhaps this cleansing ceremony and the Passover salvation of the blood is what David thought about when he asked GOD to "clean" him with hyssop and renew a steadfast spirit, given David's sin against GOD.
Hyssop was also used at the Calvary cross, "the door of salvation" for Christians today, when CHRIST, our LAMB OF GOD, shed HIS BLOOD for us. The apostle John, noted in John 19:28-19 that:
After this JESUS, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the scripture), "I thirst." A bowl full of vinegar stood there; so they put a sponge full of the vinegar on
hyssop and held it to HIS mouth. When JESUS had received the vinegar, HE said, "It is finished"; and HE bowed HIS head and gave up HIS SPIRIT.
Emphasis added. Revised Standard translation.
Herbal Remedies and Supplements
People today often encounter herbal remedies and supplements that they have never used before. Before using an herbal remedy or supplement, it is often helpful to read and ask questions.
Some of the places to obtain useful information about herbs and supplements include:
- Your personal physician;
- Your local pharmacist who can answer questions about over the counter supplements and herbal remedies;
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration: http://www.fda.gov/forconsumers/consumerupdates/ucm153239.htm;
- WebMD: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/default.aspx.
It is also important to read the information that comes with the product. Some of the questions you may want to ask yourself are:
- What are the product ingredients?
- Is the product FDA approved?
- What, if any, are the side effects?
- Are there any warnings?
- Does this product interact with foods or other drugs I am taking?
- What is the proper dosage for me?
For example, WebMD lists a number of uses for various supplements and herbs, including hyssop. And, while there are many medicinal uses for hyssop and other herbs, WebMD notes that "dosage," for this product is important. With regard to using hyssop and "dosage," WebMD notes:
The appropriate dose of hyssop depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for hyssop. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
Emphasis added. See, www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-258-hyssop.aspx?activeIngredientId=258&activeIngredientName=hyssop.
If in doubt, consult your personal healthcare providers.
READ, PRAY and BE SAFE
A lot of people are trying herbal products and supplements. And, there will always be those selling "cure all" products and selling a "quick solution." But as WebMD suggests, be safe---- read, research and ask questions. So, let us pray for discerning spirits. Just as we read and study our Bibles, let us read and study about what we should or should not eat or ingest medicinally.
Let's be safe and Be Blessed!
