From Esob, an herb. The Lord pointed to the use of this shrub for sprinkling at the Passover. (Exodus 12:22) The shrub itself is a very humble, not to say uninviting plant; like him to outward appearance "who had no beauty that we should desire him;" but like him, the fragrancy of it is sweet, though mingled with bitter. Christ and his cross are two that cannot be separated, but must be received together. Reader! depend upon it, both are blessed guests worth receiving; and however painful to flesh and blood the cross may be, yet, like the waters of Marah to Israel, Jesus's presence sweetens and sanctifies.