In a remarkable feat of botanical revival, scientists have brought to life a 1,000-year-old seed discovered in the Judean Desert. This ancient seed, unearthed in the late 1980s, has yielded a tree that could hold the key to a long-standing biblical mystery. Dubbed ‘Sheba,’ the cryptic specimen has reached a height of 10 feet (3 meters) after nearly 14 years of meticulous cultivation, allowing scientists to finally describe its fully-fledged characteristics.
Through DNA analysis, chemical analysis, and radiocarbon dating, researchers have uncovered new clues about the origins of this ancient tree. The seed, they say, dates back to between A.D. 993 and 1202, likely originating from an extinct population of trees that once thrived in the Southern Levant, a region encompassing modern-day Israel, Palestine, and Jordan. This discovery marks the first of its kind in the region.
But the significance of Sheba extends beyond its ancient origins. Scientists believe that the fully-grown specimen could be the source of Biblical ‘tsori,’ a resinous extract linked to healing properties and mentioned in the books of Genesis, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel. The identity of this ‘tsori’ (translated as ‘balm’ in English) has been shrouded in debate for centuries, with its connection to the historical region of Gilead, east of the Jordan River, further fueling intrigue. Now, with the successful revival of Sheba, the team believes they may have finally unraveled the mystery behind Biblical tsori.
Through meticulous examination, researchers have identified Sheba as belonging to the genus Commiphora, a family encompassing myrrh and frankincense. Commiphora plants are predominantly found in Africa, Madagascar, and the Arabian Peninsula. However, identifying Sheba’s specific species remains elusive due to the tree’s lack of flowering, preventing scientists from obtaining the necessary reproductive material for more detailed analysis.
Despite the uncertainty about its specific species, Sheba exhibits close genetic ties to three Commiphora species found in southern Africa – C. angolensis, C. neglecta, and C. tenuipetiolata. Interestingly, Sheba displays weaker connections to Commiphora species renowned for producing fragrant resins, such as C. gileadensis, which some researchers believe to be the historical source of the highly prized ‘Judean Balsam’ or ‘Balm of Gilead.’
Initially, scientists hypothesized that Sheba could be the long-sought ‘Judean Balsam,’ however, the absence of aromatic compounds in the tree’s resin led them to abandon this idea. Instead, their analysis revealed a wealth of medicinal properties in Sheba, including the presence of pentacyclic triterpenoids, compounds known for their anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. The tree’s leaves and stems were also found to be rich in squalene, a natural, oily substance with antioxidant and skin-smoothing properties.
The researchers believe that Sheba may represent an extinct, or at least extirpated, lineage that once thrived in the region, and whose resin, known as ‘tsori’ in biblical texts, held medicinal value, associated with healing, but not described as fragrant. While the quest for the source of historic Judean Balsam continues, the discovery of Sheba sheds new light on the ancient world, adding another layer of complexity and wonder to the intricate tapestry of biblical history and the resilience of life itself.