In the biblical context, "grain, new wine, and oil" are frequently mentioned together as symbols of God's provision and blessing. These three elements were central to the agrarian society of ancient Israel and held significant spiritual and cultural importance.

Grain

Grain, primarily wheat and barley, was a staple food in ancient Israel. It was essential for daily sustenance and was used to make bread, a fundamental part of the diet. The importance of grain is evident in its frequent mention in the Bible as a sign of prosperity and divine favor. In Deuteronomy 28:8, the Lord promises, "The LORD will command the blessing upon you in your barns and in everything to which you put your hand, and He will bless you in the land that the LORD your God is giving you." Grain offerings were also a significant part of the sacrificial system, symbolizing dedication and thanksgiving to God (Leviticus 2).

New Wine

New wine, or freshly pressed grape juice, represents joy and celebration. It is often associated with abundance and the blessings of the harvest. In biblical times, vineyards were a sign of wealth and prosperity. The promise of new wine is frequently used to illustrate God's favor and the joy of His people. Joel 2:24 states, "The threshing floors will be full of grain, and the vats will overflow with new wine and oil." New wine is also symbolic of spiritual renewal and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, as seen in the New Testament during the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:13).

Oil

Oil, particularly olive oil, was a valuable commodity in ancient Israel. It was used for cooking, lighting lamps, anointing, and as a base for perfumes and ointments. Olive oil is often associated with healing, consecration, and the presence of the Holy Spirit. In Psalm 23:5, David writes, "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows." Oil was also a key component in the anointing of kings and priests, symbolizing God's choice and empowerment for service (1 Samuel 16:13).

Covenantal Blessings

The triad of grain, new wine, and oil is frequently used in the Old Testament to describe the covenantal blessings promised to Israel for obedience. In Deuteronomy 11:13-14, God promises, "So if you carefully obey the commands I am giving you today, to love the LORD your God and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul, then I will provide rain for your land in its season, the autumn and spring rains, that you may gather your grain, new wine, and oil." These blessings were contingent upon Israel's faithfulness to the covenant, serving as a tangible reminder of God's provision and care.

Judgment and Restoration

Conversely, the absence or loss of grain, new wine, and oil is often depicted as a sign of judgment and disfavor. In Haggai 1:10-11, the prophet declares, "Therefore, because of you, the heavens have withheld their dew and the earth has withheld its crops. I have summoned a drought on the fields and the mountains, on the grain, new wine, and oil, and whatever the ground yields, on men and livestock, and on all the labor of your hands." However, the restoration of these elements is a sign of God's mercy and the renewal of His covenant with His people, as seen in passages like Joel 2:19, "The LORD will answer and say to His people, 'Behold, I am sending you grain, new wine, and oil, and you will be satisfied by them; I will never again make you a reproach among the nations.'"

In summary, grain, new wine, and oil are more than mere agricultural products in the biblical narrative; they are rich symbols of God's provision, blessing, and the covenant relationship between God and His people.