Bible Dictionary
Spicery
Spicery refers to an aromatic gum, probably gum tragacanth, obtained from plants found in Palestine and used as a fragrant substance.
Definition
Spicery refers to an aromatic gum identified with Arabic naka’at and with gum tragacanth. It was obtained from astragalus plants, of which about twenty species were found in Palestine. The gum exudes under the heat of the sun on the leaves, thorns, and ends of the twigs.
Biblical Usage
The supplied material does not specify a biblical appearance or function beyond identifying the substance called spicery.
Historical Background
The commercial tragacanth was obtained from Astragalus tragacantha. The gum was valued as a fragrant substance and was collected after exuding from the plant in the sun.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Heb. nechoth, identified with the Arabic naka’at, the gum tragacanth, obtained from the astralagus, of which there are about twenty species found in Palestine. The tragacanth of commerce is obtained from the A. tragacantha. “The gum exudes plentifully under the heat of the sun on the leaves, thorns, and exteremity of the twigs.”