Topical Bible: Oil for Domestic Use

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In biblical times, oil was a staple in the daily life and economy of the ancient Near East, serving a variety of domestic purposes. The primary type of oil referenced in the Bible is olive oil, which was highly valued for its versatility and utility.

Culinary Uses

Olive oil was a fundamental component of the diet in biblical times. It was used in cooking and as a condiment, enhancing the flavor of food. In 1 Kings 17:12, the widow of Zarephath mentions having "only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug," highlighting its role as a basic food staple. Additionally, oil was used in the preparation of bread, as seen in Ezekiel 16:13, where it is mentioned as part of the ingredients for fine flour and honey.

Lighting

Oil was also essential for lighting. Lamps fueled by olive oil provided illumination in homes and public spaces. The parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:1-13 underscores the importance of oil for lamps, as the wise virgins took oil with them to keep their lamps burning, while the foolish ones did not.

Anointing and Personal Care

Oil held a significant place in personal grooming and anointing practices. It was used to anoint the body, providing moisture and fragrance, as seen in Ruth 3:3, where Naomi instructs Ruth to "wash, put on perfume, and get dressed in your best clothes." Anointing with oil was also a sign of hospitality and honor, as illustrated in Luke 7:46, where Jesus notes that His host did not anoint His head with oil, a customary act of respect.

Medicinal Uses

The medicinal properties of oil were recognized in biblical times. It was used for healing and soothing wounds. In the parable of the Good Samaritan, found in Luke 10:34, the Samaritan treats the injured man's wounds by pouring on oil and wine, demonstrating its use as a healing agent.

Religious and Ritual Significance

While primarily a domestic product, oil also held religious significance. It was used in various offerings and rituals, symbolizing consecration and sanctification. Exodus 30:25 describes the sacred anointing oil, a blend of olive oil and spices, used to consecrate the tabernacle and its furnishings.

Economic Importance

Olive oil was a valuable commodity in the ancient economy. It was traded extensively and served as a measure of wealth and prosperity. In 2 Kings 4:1-7, the widow's oil is miraculously multiplied by Elisha, allowing her to pay her debts and live on the remainder, illustrating its economic significance.

In summary, oil for domestic use in biblical times was indispensable, serving culinary, lighting, personal care, medicinal, and economic purposes. Its multifaceted role in daily life is reflected throughout the Scriptures, underscoring its importance in the cultural and religious practices of the time.

Nave's Topical Index

Matthew 25:3
They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Epistle Lxiii. Limenius, Bishop of Vercell??, Having Died, the See ...
... the see remained long vacant owing to domestic factions. ... He who willingly makes use
of the juices of plants ... As hay, straw, wood, oil, and such like things are ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/epistle lxiii limenius bishop of.htm

The Domestic Relation.
... union of Christ and the church makes use of the ... knowledge of their rightful position
in the domestic circle. ... anoints the spirit of man with the "oil of joy ...
/.../orr/the gospel day /chapter xiii the domestic relation.htm

Three Things Briefly to be Regarded in Christ --viz. His Offices ...
... well as priests and kings were anointed with holy oil. ... Then in regard to the special
use to be made ... in the abundance of temporal good and domestic peace, and ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 15 three things briefly.htm

Thankfulness to God.
... The air he makes use of also, it is his servant to ... the birds in the air, we have
tamed the domestic fowls and ... our food; we hunt the whale for his oil and for ...
/.../the village pulpit volume ii trinity to advent/lxiii thankfulness to god.htm

Grecian Literature, and the Roman Empire.
... of human science, art, and law for the use of the ... and ointment, and frankincense,
and wine, and oil, and fine ... with it a diminution of those domestic and civil ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 12 grecian literature and.htm

Concerning "Understanding. "
... other hands than his who found the wells of illuminating oil. ... written by a countess
for the use of families ... a cookery book or an article on domestic economy it ...
/.../jackson/the message and the man/chapter v concerning understanding.htm

Against Embellishing the Body.
... at, not as if made for domestic economy ... once, do they deserve to perish, who use
crocodiles' excrement ... fair and tall, produced the anointing oil, being delighted ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter ii against embellishing the body.htm

The Note of Idealism.
... Corn, wine and oil, houses, lands and station are all ... to proclaim the golden year
from domestic circles blighted ... And of what use is any lower understanding or ...
/.../jackson/the message and the man/chapter iii the note of.htm

Powerful Persuasives
... for knowledge, chary of sleep, burning out the midnight oil. ... duties are a burden;
ye whose domestic cares are a ... It is of no use your rebelling against Christ ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/powerful persuasives.htm

Women who Witnessed the Fall of Rome
... and appropriate to their exclusive use the conveniences ... were ignorant of the ordinary
modern domestic conveniences. ... however, corn, wine, and oil were supplied ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/vii women who witnessed the.htm