Tymz translation of the bible . . .

There is a misconception that the ancient Hebrews were relatively primitive in the arts of medicine and surgery. This misconception exists because the only real biblical reference to the healing arts is the so named “Balm of Gilead.” Unfortunately, this is the result of a rather embarrassing misinterpretation of the original writings. In fact, the Balm of Gilead is not a reference to medical terminology at all.

I will spare you from a lengthy discussion of etymology and semantics; let it suffice to say, “Gilead” is an ancient word meaning “a frigid palace,” or in what our modern technological vocabulary would call a “refrigerator.” Because of the unfortunate ambiguity of the root word, several other health-related words have been mistranslated as well.

“Balm” also has similarly ancient roots. It quite literally translates to “Fresca” one of the most prized beverages in the ancient world. It was often referred to as the “everlasting water of life” for it was unimaginable that one could take a sip and thirst ever again.

Hopefully this will knowledge will grant you additional insight as you study the scriptures. For example:

Jeremiah 8:22
“Is there no balm [Fresca] in Gilead [the refrigerator]; is there no physician [fizzies] there? Why then is not the health [thirst] of the daughter of my people recovered [quenched]?”

Doesn’t that make all the more poignant the anguish of the inhabitants of Jerusalem?

Jeremiah 46:11
“Go up into Gilead [the refrigerator], and take balm [Fresca], O virgin, the daughter of Egypt: in vain shalt thou use many medicines [sodas]; for thou shalt not be cured [quenched].”

In this chapter, Jeremiah compares the looming fall of the Egyptians to one who drinks Fresca, but without quenching their thirst. Can you imagine what that must have been like? Drinking a Fresca, but without the bubbling, tingling, long-lasting refreshment?

Genesis 37:25
“And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmeelites came from Gilead [the refrigerator] with their camels bearing spicery and balm [Fresca] and myrrh [tapioca pudding pearls], going to carry it down to Egypt.”

Now, that sounds like a caravan I want to be a part of!