The balm in Gilead was a sticky sap from cuts in small evergreen trees in the highlands east of the Jordan River. Merchants sold this resin, claiming it had healing powers.
Jeremiah noticed the people's need for God to heal their deep spiritual sickness. The people only saw the physical signs of God's judgment and refused to admit their spiritual rebellion caused their problems. The African-American spiritual “There Is a Balm in Gilead” identifies Jesus as the ultimate balm for our souls.