Overview
Onycha was one of four aromatic spices God commanded to be used in the creation of the holy incense burned in the tabernacle. This precious ingredient, likely derived from a shellfish or plant resin, was combined with stacte, galbanum, and pure frankincense in precise proportions. The holy incense represented the prayers and worship of God's people rising before His throne.
Key Scriptures
"Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Take fragrant spices—gum resin, onycha and galbanum—and pure frankincense, all in equal amounts, and make a fragrant blend of incense, the work of a perfumer. It is to be salted and pure and sacred.'" (Exodus 30:34-35, NIV)
"May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice." (Psalm 141:2, NIV)
Application
Just as onycha contributed its unique fragrance to the holy incense, believers are called to offer themselves as a fragrant offering to God through worship and obedience.