In the biblical lands the most expensive fragrance was in the form of ointment (puk). Smell was one of the most highly considered senses: and it is not by chance that perfumed oils and incense were the means to be in communion with God, to purify oneself and the place of dialogue with the Divine Creator.
In fact, Moses was taught how to prepare anointing oil: "Take the finest balms: pure myrrh (500 shekels); scented cinnamon half so much (250 shekels), scented reed (250 shekels), cassia (500 shekels) and olive oil (one hin). And thou shalt make a holy anointing oil an ointment made following the perfumers art " (Ex 30, 22-25).
In the kingdom of Israel the commerce of herbs was well developed: myrtle oil and basil were imported from the Mediterranean; cinnamon from Ceylon, cedar from Lebanon, and fragrant calamus from India.

In order to make holy oil and other various anointing oils, the perfumers left the plants and aromatic resins in a warm soak. Every now and again, in the same way as the Egyptians, they extracted the juice of particularly aromatic plants, by squeezing it in a cloth allowing the liquid to drip into a vase. Archaeological excavations have brought mortars to light which were used to break-up roots, rhizomes and aromatic resins, as well as stoves for soaking and amphora for perfumed waters, pots and vials in terracotta, in glass or in alabaster which can be found in the archaeological museums of Haifa and Jerusalem.
The names of two artisans and perfumers have also been handed down: Bezaleel and Ooliab.