Topical Bible: Oil: Given by God

◄ Oil: Given by God ►

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Oil holds a significant place in the biblical narrative, symbolizing abundance, blessing, and divine provision. Throughout Scripture, oil is depicted as a gift from God, serving various purposes in religious, cultural, and practical contexts.

Symbol of Blessing and Prosperity

Oil is frequently associated with God's blessing and prosperity. In Deuteronomy 8:7-8 , the Promised Land is described as "a land of wheat and barley, of vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive oil and honey." Here, olive oil is highlighted as a symbol of the land's fertility and God's provision. The abundance of oil signifies the prosperity that God bestows upon His people.

Religious and Ceremonial Use

Oil plays a crucial role in religious ceremonies and rituals. In Exodus 30:22-25 , God instructs Moses to make a sacred anointing oil, composed of myrrh, cinnamon, calamus, cassia, and olive oil. This anointing oil is used to consecrate the tabernacle, the Ark of the Covenant, and the priests, setting them apart for holy service. The use of oil in anointing signifies the presence and empowerment of the Holy Spirit.

Healing and Restoration

Oil is also associated with healing and restoration. In James 5:14 , the apostle 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." This practice underscores the belief in God's power to heal and restore, with oil serving as a tangible expression of faith and divine intervention.

Sustenance and Daily Life

In the daily life of ancient Israel, oil was a staple, used for cooking, lighting lamps, and as a base for perfumes and ointments. The widow of Zarephath's account in 1 Kings 17:8-16 illustrates God's miraculous provision through oil. During a severe famine, God sustains the widow, her son, and the prophet Elijah with a jar of oil that does not run dry, demonstrating His care and provision in times of need.

Metaphor for Spiritual Anointing

Oil serves as a metaphor for spiritual anointing and the work of the Holy Spirit. In Psalm 23:5 , David declares, "You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows." This imagery conveys the overflowing abundance and favor that come from God's presence. Similarly, in the New Testament, believers are described as having an anointing from the Holy One (1 John 2:20), signifying the indwelling and guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Judgment and Consequence

While oil is predominantly a symbol of blessing, it can also represent judgment when withheld. In Haggai 1:10-11 , God withholds oil, along with other resources, as a consequence of the people's disobedience: "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, the new wine, the oil, and whatever the ground yields." This serves as a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and His people, where obedience brings blessing, and disobedience results in lack.

In summary, oil in the Bible is a multifaceted symbol of God's provision, blessing, and presence. It is integral to religious practices, daily life, and spiritual metaphors, reflecting the richness of God's gifts to His people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 104:14,15
He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 31:12
Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow together to the goodness of the LORD, for wheat, and for wine, and for oil, and for the young of the flock and of the herd: and their soul shall be as a watered garden; and they shall not sorrow any more at all.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Joel 2:19,24
Yes, the LORD will answer and say to his people, Behold, I will send you corn, and wine, and oil, and you shall be satisfied therewith: and I will no more make you a reproach among the heathen:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Allegory of the Trees Demanding a King, in the Book of Judges ...
... to Moses in the desert, because the prophetic grace, the holy oil, had failed ... For
which cause, also, four Gospels have been given, because God has four ...
/.../chapter ii the allegory of the.htm

When the Oil Flows
... doings of such a nature as that the Spirit of God, which is symbolised by the oil,
can come ... It is possible, by neglect of God and of the gift given to us ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/when the oil flows.htm

"The Prophets of God Helping Them"
... God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to ... which are at Jerusalem, let
it be given them day ... offer sacrifices of sweet savors unto the God of heaven ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 46 the prophets of.htm

Rom. I. 1, 2
... 105:15), but at that time the institution of anointing with oil did not yet ... and the
servility of attendants), but this as having been given of God, the gift ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily i rom i 1.htm

The Gospel Feast
... the earth, and the fulness thereof," "honey out of the rock, and oil out of ... in the
Old Testament which speaks of the temporal blessings given by God to His ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon xii the gospel feast.htm

Thirtieth Day. The Unction from the Holy One.
... that the Father gives the anointing: that wherewith He anoints is called the oil
of holiness ... Only he who has given himself entirely to be holy as God is holy ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/murray/holy in christ/thirtieth day the unction from.htm

Commandment Eleventh. The Spirit and Prophets to be Tried by their ...
... For no spirit given by God requires to be asked; but ... It is not possible that the
prophet of God should do ... pack closely a storehouse with wine or oil, and put ...
/.../the pastor books first second third/commandment eleventh the spirit and.htm

Shewing How a Principle of Grace is from the Spirit of God. "
... consists in partaking of the Spirit that is given Him not ... This is the holy oil poured
on the head, that goes down ... enjoy the Love: but the love of God flows out ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/edwards/treatise on grace/shewing how a principle of.htm

That Christ is God.
... and hated iniquity: wherefore God, Thy God, hath anointed Thee with the oil of gladness ...
If He called them gods to whom the word of God was given, and the ...
/.../cyprian/three books of testimonies against the jews/6 that christ is god.htm

Thankfulness to God.
... for our food; we hunt the whale for his oil and for ... Now this is just what God has
done to you; He has brought you into the world, and has given you power ...
/.../the village pulpit volume ii trinity to advent/lxiii thankfulness to god.htm