This Article: (5 Pages)
- 1. Patented Perfumes
- 2. Why design the perfume?
- 3. Why is smell important?
- 4. Smelling and Remembering
- 5. Prayer, in analogy, as incense
4) Smelling and Remembering
There is a very strong link between the human sense of smell and memory. We have been designed so the connection is direct between the six million smell receptor cells in the nose and the memory section of our brain. Other senses such as sight take a longer route. The sense of smell connects to the limbic system which is the area around the brainstem responsible for learning, memory and emotional processing. Smells can immediately influence emotion and re-create memories. In a learning task it was found the capacity to remember was increased 20% by the association with a new smell. Specific odours can increase heart rate and blood pressure or to produce increased calm. They found women had more sensitive receptors and could scent the body odour of other women's fear left on gauze (reported in Winston R, The Human Mind, 2004.) An interesting aside is that most taste is smell and the signals have been designed to go to an area close to the 'smell' part of the brain, this may explain what is meant by our Creator being able to taste or eat (Deuteronomy 4:28) (Certainly also the Elohim in a few encounters have been seen to eat [Gen 18:6, 19:2]).
The word 'designed' is used deliberately, as not only does the scripture say we are made in the image of God (Elohim, Mighty Ones), the Hebrew words used and their linguistic and etymological connections contain the knowledge that in fact is only now being confirmed by science. The word for 'smell' in English in Hebrew is, Zeker (also memorial, memory, remembrance, scent). It is related to the word for “male” zâkâr remembered, that is, a male Also remember, zaw-kar' meaing to mark (so as to be recognized), that is, to remember; by implication to mention; also (as denominative to be male.
Moses made a very powerful request when he asked Yahweh to remember,
Remember thy servants, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; look not unto the stubbornness of this people, nor to their wickedness, nor to their sin:(Deuteronomy 9:27 KJV)
The smell of sacrifice is related to memory of it, and the memory of offering made in the past affects how one is remembered in the day or trouble,
<To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.> The LORD hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of Jacob defend thee; Send thee help from the sanctuary, and strengthen thee out of Zion; Remember all thy offerings, and accept thy burnt sacrifice; Selah. Grant thee according to thine own heart, and fulfil all thy counsel.(Psa 20:1-4 KJV)
Blood also has a smell. Not only did Abel's blood speak, as does all the faithful blood shed since, but it is remembered,
When he maketh inquisition for blood, he remembereth them: he forgetteth not the cry of the humble.(Psalm 9:12 KJV)
Job is scientifically correct linking remembrance to fear which has a distinctive smell
Even when I remember I am afraid, and trembling taketh hold on my flesh. (Job 21:6)
The association of memory and therefore smell with the mouth links again the two sensations of smell and taste, for research suggests humans have a sense of taste related to visual recollection.
If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy. (Psalm 137:6)
As an aside, Isaac Moseson suggests that the English word “reek” comes from Hebrew reyach meaning odor (as if blown), savour, scent, or smell, in his argument for the role of Hebrew in the original language before the confusion of speech before Babel. Reek just meant a strong smell not good or bad www.homestead.com/edenics/whatisedenics.html There is another explanation. The traders of Tarshish may have picked up the word from the Middle East, as they have been in the habit of 'lifting' words throughout their history, to assemble a language with nearly double the words of any other language.
To smell in Hebrew is also Ruach or breath to blow, that is, breathe; literally to smell or by implication perceive (figuratively to anticipate, enjoy). It is also translated as 'accept, smell, touch and make of quick understanding.' Hebrew understood the deep connections in our brains between scents and understanding.
The connection between the smell of a person and our memory of them, is expressed in proverbs,
Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.
(Proverbs 27:9 KJV)
The beauty of scent
We may also praise Yahweh Elohim for a great gift in having the sense of smell. There is beauty in the images of a beautiful scent.
And he came near, and kissed him: and he smelled the smell of his raiment, and blessed him, and said, See, the smell of my son is as the smell of a field which the LORD hath blessed:(Genesis 27:27 KJV)
A landscape that is fragrant...and restful
For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone; The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land; The fig tree puts forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grape give a good smell. Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away.(Song 2:11-13 KJV)
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