Jeremiah 8:22

Gilead, east of the Jordan River, was a source for healing balsam, but no healing was forthcoming for Judah. This is the source of the traditional American spiritual "There Is a Balm in Gilead."

"The balm referred to is the resin or gum of the storax tree. It was used medicinally (cf. Genesis 37:25; Jeremiah 46:11; Jeremiah 51:8; Ezekiel 27:17)." [Note: Feinberg, p. 439. See also P. J. King, Jeremiah: An Archaeological Companion, pp. 153-54.]

No physician was on the horizon either, even though Yahweh was Israel’s Great Physician (Exodus 15:26). The prophet marveled that Israel’s Great Physician had not provided healing for His people, but he knew that their affliction was judgment for their sins.