Introduction:
In the Bible, oils hold significant cultural, religious, and practical importance. They are mentioned frequently throughout the Scriptures, serving various purposes from anointing and healing to cooking and lighting. Oils, particularly olive oil, are deeply embedded in the daily life and spiritual practices of the ancient Israelites and early Christians.

Types of Oils:
The most commonly referenced oil in the Bible is olive oil, which was a staple in the ancient Near East. Other oils, such as those derived from myrrh, frankincense, and other aromatic plants, are also mentioned, often in the context of anointing or as ingredients in sacred incense.

Uses of Oils:

1. Anointing:
Anointing with oil is a significant ritual in the Bible, symbolizing consecration, blessing, and the Holy Spirit's presence. Kings, priests, and prophets were anointed to signify their divine appointment. For instance, in 1 Samuel 16:13, "So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward."

2. Healing:
Oils were used for medicinal purposes, as seen in the parable of the Good Samaritan, where oil and wine are used to treat wounds (Luke 10:34). James 5:14 also instructs, "Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord."

3. Lighting:
Olive oil was used as fuel for lamps, providing light in homes and the temple. In the parable of the ten virgins, the wise virgins took oil for their lamps, highlighting the importance of being prepared (Matthew 25:1-13).

4. Offerings and Sacrifices:
Oil was a key component in grain offerings and other sacrifices. Leviticus 2:1 states, "When anyone presents an offering of grain to the LORD, his offering shall be of fine flour. He is to pour olive oil on it, put frankincense on it."

5. Cooking and Food:
Olive oil was a dietary staple, used in cooking and as a condiment. It is often associated with abundance and blessing, as in Deuteronomy 8:8, which describes the Promised Land as "a land of wheat and barley, of vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive oil and honey."

Symbolism of Oil:
Oil symbolizes the Holy Spirit and divine blessing throughout the Bible. The anointing oil used in religious ceremonies represents God's presence and favor. In the New Testament, oil continues to symbolize the Holy Spirit's work in believers' lives, as seen in the anointing of Jesus by Mary with costly perfume (John 12:3).

Cultural and Economic Importance:
In biblical times, oil was a valuable commodity, essential for trade and daily life. It was used in cooking, as a base for perfumes, and as a trade good. The production and trade of oil were significant economic activities, contributing to the wealth and sustenance of communities.

Conclusion:
Oils in the Bible are multifaceted, serving practical, ceremonial, and symbolic roles. They are integral to the religious practices and daily life of biblical peoples, reflecting God's provision and presence.8081. shemen -- fat, oil
... Word Origin from shamen Definition fat, oil NASB Word Usage choice (1), fatness
(2), fertile (2), fertile* (1), lavish (1), oil (176), oils (3), ointment (1 ...
/hebrew/8081.htm - 6k

An Exhortation to Love God
... (5). Love facilitates religion. It oils the wheels of the affections,
and makes them more lively and cheerful in God's service. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/an exhortation to love god.htm

Meditation ix. Private Instruction and Consecrations.
... He then spoke concerning the priesthood, the sacred unction, and the preparation
of the Chrism and Holy Oils.7 He had there three boxes, two of which contained ...
/.../meditation ix private instruction and.htm

Of the Same Argument.
... suppose, lastly, he had employed bodily things themselves that lack all sense, but
were necessary for that work, as eg corn, and wine, and oils, clothes, or ...
/.../augustine/on the holy trinity/chapter 3 of the same argument.htm

General Index
... 76 Holy of holies . . . . . 81 Holy oils . . . . . 291 Holy Orders . . . . ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/general index.htm

The Fourth Commandment
... When the falling dust of the world has clogged the wheels of our affections, that
they can scarce move towards God, the Sabbath comes, and oils the wheels of ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 4 the fourth commandment.htm

Letter cii. (AD 409. )
... Such men may as reasonably suppose that oil made from fat should not float on the
surface in water as olive oil does, because the origin of the two oils is so ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter cii a d 409.htm

God the Holy Spirit the Love which Dwells in the Heart.
... down upon the beard, that went down to the skirts of his garments" (Psalm
133:2),"a figure not very attractive for us who are unfamiliar with perfumed oils. ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xx god the holy spirit.htm

A Little Jewish Maid.
... Gold and silver, fine clothing, sweet spices, scented oils, had no real value for
him. They were only a few of the many things he could quite well do without. ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/a little jewish maid.htm

At the Front or the Base
... strength. It matters not whether the copy of a great picture be in oils
or an engraving or a photograph, so long as it is a copy. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/at the front or the.htm

On Baptism
... The following things must be prepared: the holy oils, a little salt, a little pitcher
or something similar to pour the water from, a vessel to receive the ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 14 on baptism.htm

Oils (4 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Oils (4 Occurrences). Psalms 92 ... oil. (See NIV).
Song of Songs 1:3 Your oils have a pleasing fragrance. Your ...
/o/oils.htm - 7k

Ointment (29 Occurrences)
... The well-known power of oils and fats to absorb odors was made use of by the ancient
perfumers. ... For the uses of scented oils or ointments see ANOINTING; OIL. ...
/o/ointment.htm - 18k

Perfumer (4 Occurrences)
... Perfumed oils were rubbed on the body and feet. At ... censers. In the preparation
of bodies for burial, perfumed oils and spices were used. ...
/p/perfumer.htm - 11k

Perfume (202 Occurrences)
... Perfumed oils were rubbed on the body and feet. At ... censers. In the preparation
of bodies for burial, perfumed oils and spices were used. ...
/p/perfume.htm - 38k

Crafts (2 Occurrences)
... Pliny mentions many other oils which were extracted in Egypt. The oils were usually
extracted by first crushing the fruit and then pressing the crushed mass. ...
/c/crafts.htm - 30k

Oil (281 Occurrences)
... 24:2). The corresponding Arabic zeit, a contraction of zeitun, which is the name
for the olive tree as well as the fruit, is now applied to oils in general, to ...
/o/oil.htm - 60k

Oil-making
Oil-making. Oilmaking, Oil-making. Oils . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia
OIL-MAKING. See CRAFTS, II, 11. Oilmaking, Oil-making. Oils . Reference Bible
/o/oil-making.htm - 6k

Oiltree

/o/oiltree.htm - 7k

Lotions (4 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Amos 6:6 who drink wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with the best
oils; but they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph. (See NIV). ...
/l/lotions.htm - 7k

Gilead (130 Occurrences)
... of "balsam," a word derived from the Greek balsamon, which was adopted as the
representative of the Hebrew words baal shemen, meaning "lord" or "chief of oils...
/g/gilead.htm - 56k

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