Topical Bible: Oil: Commerce In

◄ Oil: Commerce In ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Oil, particularly olive oil, holds significant importance in the biblical narrative, both as a staple in daily life and as a valuable commodity in commerce. The production and trade of oil are frequently mentioned throughout the Scriptures, highlighting its economic and cultural significance in ancient Israel and surrounding regions.

Biblical References and Economic Importance

Olive oil was a central product in the agrarian society of ancient Israel. It was used for cooking, lighting, anointing, and as a base for perfumes and ointments. The Bible provides numerous references to the production and trade of oil, underscoring its role in the economy. In Deuteronomy 8:8, the land promised to the Israelites is described as "a land of wheat and barley, of vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive oil and honey." This description emphasizes the abundance and prosperity associated with olive oil.

The commercial aspect of oil is evident in the transactions and trade relationships described in the Bible. In 1 Kings 5:11, Solomon provides King Hiram of Tyre with "twenty thousand cors of wheat as food for his household, and twenty thousand baths of pressed olive oil," in exchange for cedar and cypress timber. This exchange illustrates the value of oil as a trade commodity and its role in international relations.

Oil in Trade and Tribute

Oil was not only a domestic product but also a significant item in trade and tribute. Ezekiel 27:17 mentions Judah and Israel trading with Tyre, providing "wheat from Minnith, cakes, honey, oil, and balm." This passage highlights the participation of Israel in regional trade networks, with oil being a key export.

The tribute of oil is also noted in the context of political alliances and subjugation. In 2 Kings 4:1-7, the widow of a prophet is instructed by Elisha to gather vessels and pour out her small amount of oil, which miraculously multiplies. She sells the oil to pay her debts, demonstrating oil's value as a means of economic survival.

Symbolic and Religious Significance

Beyond its economic value, oil holds symbolic and religious significance in the Bible. It is used in anointing rituals, symbolizing consecration and the Holy Spirit's presence. In Exodus 30:22-25, God instructs Moses to make a sacred anointing oil, a blend of olive oil and spices, to consecrate the tabernacle and its furnishings. This sacred use of oil underscores its purity and importance in worship.

The parable of the wise and foolish virgins in Matthew 25:1-13 further illustrates the spiritual symbolism of oil. The wise virgins' preparedness with oil for their lamps signifies readiness and vigilance in spiritual matters.

Conclusion

The commerce of oil in biblical times reflects its multifaceted role in society, serving as a vital economic resource, a symbol of prosperity, and a key element in religious practices. Its presence in trade, tribute, and daily life underscores the integral part it played in the culture and economy of ancient Israel and its neighbors.

Nave's Topical Index

2 Kings 4:1-7
Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets to Elisha, saying, Your servant my husband is dead; and you know that your servant did fear the LORD: and the creditor is come to take to him my two sons to be slaves.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Commerce
... But no sketch of commerce among the early Jews, however brief, would be ... hand, the
exports from Palestine consisted of such produce as wheat, oil, balsam, honey ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 12 commerce.htm

The Unknown Giver and the Misused Gifts
... blighted harvests, then men ought to understand that the corn, and the wine, and
the oil are God's ... Besides this, the text also mentions the gain of commerce. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/the unknown giver and the.htm

The Prudent Steward.
... raised to obtain from one debtor the price of a hundred measures of oil instead
of ... justice in a large measure pervades and so sustains the vast commerce of the ...
/.../arnot/the parables of our lord/xxv the prudent steward.htm

The Ecstasy of Saint Monnica
... The Government stores-ships landed the African oil and corn there. It was a junction
for commerce, the point where immigrants from all parts of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/ii the ecstasy of saint.htm

Lamps and Bushels
... of each article; one lamp, a flat saucer with a wick swimming in oil; one measure ...
lamp is not hid 'under a bushel,' which is the emblem of commerce or business ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/lamps and bushels.htm

Concerning the Monks of Nitria, and the Monasteries Called Cells ...
... in trimming the lights of the church, with a girdle soiled with oil on his ... Solon
quitted the pursuits of commerce to embrace a monastic life, a measure which ...
/.../chapter xxxi concerning the monks of.htm

By Evidence Gathered from Scripture the Unity of Father and Son is ...
... saith the Lord of Sabaoth: [1706] "Egypt hath laboured, and the commerce of the ... And
further on: "God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter iii by evidence gathered.htm

The Destruction of Babylon.
... and incense, and myrrh, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine ... The commerce
of this ecclesiastical city, has been immense,"particularly in indulgences ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the destruction of babylon.htm

Under Ban of the Ritual
... They spoke easily, not hastily, but as oil flows, continuously and without ... Science,
art, literature, government, commerce, whatever the member, it was built ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter ii under ban of.htm

Concerning the Monks of Thebais: Apollos, Dorotheus; Concerning ...
... the touch only of his hand, or by means of a little oil consecrated by ... Apollonius,
after passing his life in the pursuits of commerce, retired in his old age ...
/.../chapter xxix concerning the monks of.htm