Topical Bible: Oil: Healing

◄ Oil: Healing ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, oil is frequently associated with healing, both in a physical and spiritual sense. The use of oil for anointing and medicinal purposes is deeply rooted in the traditions and practices of the ancient Near East, and it holds significant theological implications throughout the Scriptures.

Old Testament References

The use of oil for healing is evident in the Old Testament, where it is often linked with anointing and consecration. In Exodus 30:22-25, God instructs Moses to prepare a sacred anointing oil, a blend of olive oil and spices, to consecrate the tabernacle and its furnishings, as well as Aaron and his sons. This anointing set them apart for holy service, symbolizing purification and divine blessing.

In Isaiah 1:6, the prophet describes the nation of Israel's spiritual and moral decay, using the metaphor of untreated wounds: "From the sole of your foot to the top of your head there is no soundness—only wounds and welts and festering sores, not cleansed or bandaged or soothed with oil." Here, oil is depicted as a soothing agent, highlighting its role in physical healing.

New Testament References

The New Testament continues the theme of oil as a medium for healing. In Mark 6:13, the disciples, sent out by Jesus, "drove out many demons and anointed many sick people with oil and healed them." This passage underscores the practice of anointing the sick with oil as a means of invoking divine healing.

James 5:14-15 provides a direct instruction regarding the use of oil in the context of healing: "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. And the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick. The Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven." This passage highlights the communal and spiritual dimensions of healing, where oil serves as a tangible expression of faith and the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Symbolism and Spiritual Significance

Oil, particularly olive oil, is rich in symbolism throughout the Bible. It represents the Holy Spirit, as seen in the anointing of kings and priests, where oil signifies empowerment and the presence of God. The healing properties of oil are thus not merely physical but also spiritual, pointing to the restorative work of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life.

The parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:34 further illustrates the compassionate use of oil for healing. The Samaritan tends to the wounded man by pouring oil and wine on his injuries, demonstrating mercy and care. This act of kindness reflects the broader biblical theme of healing as an expression of love and compassion.

Conclusion

Throughout the Bible, oil is a multifaceted symbol associated with healing, consecration, and the presence of the Holy Spirit. Its use in anointing the sick underscores the belief in God's power to heal and restore, both physically and spiritually. The practice of anointing with oil, as instructed in Scripture, remains a significant aspect of Christian ministry and faith, embodying the hope and assurance of divine healing and grace.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 1:6
From the sole of the foot even to the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrefying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 10:34
And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Greek

218. aleipho -- anoint.
... Oil was also applied to the feet to soothe and show (courtesy, respect). Anointing
shares a "penetrating comfort" to impart strength and healing ().]. anoint. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/218.htm - 7k

Library

Whether Olive Oil is a Suitable Matter for this Sacrament?
... Reply to Objection 2: Wine heals by its roughness, oil by its softness, wherefore
healing with wine pertains to Penance rather than to this sacrament. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether olive oil is a.htm

Thou Anointest My Head with Oil; My Cup Runneth Over.
... He has olive oil and cedar-tar to use as healing ointments for their wounds, and
he has cool, refreshing water for those that are worn and weary. ...
/.../callan/the shepherd of my soul/x thou anointest my head.htm

James v. 14-18
... raise him up: and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him." We see
that James ascribes the healing power, not to the anointing with oil, but to ...
/.../neander/the epistle of james practically explained/james v 14-18.htm

Epistle xxxv. To Leontius, Ex-Consul.
... It may have been oil which was believed to have thus acquired healing virtue that
was originally meant by "oil of the cross." But in the following century we ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle xxxv to leontius ex-consul.htm

November 27. "And the Remnant of the Oil . . . Shall Pour Upon the ...
... the healing of the Hebrew leper there is a beautiful picture of the touching of
his ears, hands and feet, with the redeeming blood and the consecrating oil, as ...
/.../simpson/days of heaven upon earth /november 27 and the remnant.htm

The Purpose and Healing Effects of the Incarnation. ...
... The purpose and healing effects of the Incarnation ... Again, our Lord cured with oil
and wine the man who, going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, fell among thieves ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xi the purpose and.htm

Sin's Healing Shadow.
... Sacrifice is sin's healing shadow. It follows sin at every turn, binding up its
wounds, pouring in the oil and wine of its own life, and taking the hurt ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks with world winners/sins healing shadow.htm

Divine Healing.
... The "gifts of healing" were placed in the church. ... let him call for the elders of
the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter ix divine healing.htm

Preaching the Gospel, Healing the Sick
... PREACHING THE GOSPEL, HEALING THE SICK. ... scalded months before, and who has received
no treatment during that period but an application of rat oil and charred ...
/.../the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter xxii preaching the gospel.htm

The Gradual Healing of the Blind Man
... woman in the Old Testament story, we stop bringing vessels, the oil will stop ... cut
off altogether, the supply of God's mercy and Christ's healing and cleansing ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/the gradual healing of the.htm