What does the use of "hin of olive oil" symbolize in Christian worship? The “hin”: A Measure Packed with Purpose • A hin equals about 4 quarts / 4 liters. • God specified it repeatedly (e.g., Exodus 30:24) to show that every drop of worship was to follow His exact word. God’s Recipe—Exodus 30:23-25 “500 shekels of cassia—all according to the sanctuary shekel—and a hin of olive oil. Prepare from these a sacred anointing oil, a fragrant blend, the work of a perfumer; it will be the holy anointing oil.” • The full hin of olive oil was the base of the tabernacle’s anointing oil. • Everything and everyone set apart for God—priests, furnishings, altar—was touched by it. Why Olive Oil? • Produced by crushing—pointing to Christ, “pierced for our transgressions” (Isaiah 53:5). • Pure, clear, and fragrant—mirroring the flawless character of the Holy Spirit. • A staple of daily life—worship is to saturate every part of life, not just ceremony. Symbol 1: Consecration for Service • Exodus 30:29 “Thus you shall consecrate them so that they will be most holy.” • A full hin shows total dedication; nothing held back. • Believers are now “a royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9), completely set apart. Symbol 2: The Indwelling Holy Spirit • 1 Samuel 16:13—David anointed, “the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward.” • Acts 10:38—“God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power.” • The measure points to the Spirit given “without measure” (John 3:34). Symbol 3: Healing and Restoration • James 5:14—“let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.” • Oil soothes wounds (Luke 10:34); the Spirit brings inner healing. Symbol 4: Joy and Gladness • Psalm 45:7—“God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of joy.” • Hebrews 1:9 applies this to Christ and, by extension, to all who are in Him. Symbol 5: Abundant Provision and Light • Exodus 27:20—pure oil keeps the lampstand burning continually. • Matthew 25:1-13—wise virgins maintain oil, picturing readiness through the Spirit. • Philippians 4:19—God supplies “all your needs”; the hin speaks of His sufficiency. Living the Picture Today • Depend on the Spirit daily—constant filling, like fresh oil in the lamp. • Serve in holiness—every task, conversation, and relationship an “anointed” act. • Walk in healing and joy—letting the fragrance of Christ (2 Corinthians 2:15) spread. |
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