Topical Bible: Oil: Kept in Cellars

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In biblical times, oil was a valuable commodity, often associated with wealth, prosperity, and divine blessing. The storage of oil in cellars is a practice that reflects the importance of preserving this precious resource. The Bible provides several references to oil, highlighting its significance in daily life, religious rituals, and as a symbol of abundance.

Biblical References and Context

Oil, particularly olive oil, was a staple in ancient Israelite society. It was used for cooking, lighting lamps, anointing, and as an offering in religious ceremonies. The practice of storing oil in cellars is implied in several biblical passages, where the abundance of oil is seen as a sign of God's favor and provision.

In 2 Kings 20:13, we find a reference to the treasures of King Hezekiah, which included oil stored in his house: "And Hezekiah welcomed them and showed them his treasure house—the silver, the gold, the spices, and the precious oil—along with his entire armory and everything that was found in his storehouses." This passage illustrates the value placed on oil, as it was considered a treasure alongside gold and silver.

The prophet Joel also speaks of oil in the context of divine blessing and restoration. In Joel 2:24, it is written, "The threshing floors will be full of grain, and the vats will overflow with new wine and oil." Here, the overflowing vats symbolize a time of prosperity and God's abundant provision for His people.

Symbolism and Spiritual Significance

Oil in the Bible often symbolizes the Holy Spirit and God's anointing. The anointing of kings, priests, and prophets with oil was a physical act that represented a spiritual reality—the empowerment and presence of the Holy Spirit. For instance, in 1 Samuel 16:13, when Samuel anointed David, "the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon David from that day forward."

The storage of oil in cellars can also be seen as a metaphor for spiritual preparedness and stewardship. In the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), the wise virgins are commended for having enough oil for their lamps, symbolizing readiness for the coming of the bridegroom, which represents Christ's return.

Cultural and Historical Practices

In ancient Israel, cellars or underground storage rooms were used to keep oil cool and preserve its quality. These storage facilities were essential for maintaining a stable supply of oil throughout the year, especially during times of scarcity. The ability to store oil effectively was a mark of prudent management and foresight.

The production and storage of oil were labor-intensive processes that required careful attention. Olive trees were cultivated, and the olives were harvested and pressed to extract the oil. The oil was then stored in jars or vats, often kept in cellars to protect it from spoilage and to ensure a steady supply for various uses.

Conclusion

The practice of keeping oil in cellars, as reflected in the Bible, underscores the importance of oil in the economic, religious, and daily life of ancient Israel. It serves as a reminder of God's provision and the need for spiritual readiness, symbolized by the anointing and presence of the Holy Spirit.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Chronicles 27:28
And over the olive trees and the sycomore trees that were in the low plains was Baalhanan the Gederite: and over the cellars of oil was Joash:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Against "The Roaring Lions"
... around cellars, because they generally plundered cellars and grain ... broaching barrels
of wine and oil, and crowning ... a hundred years that they had kept Africa in ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/iv against the roaring lions.htm

Distinguishing Grace
... Their condition is smooth as oil, and as soft as ... their poor, miserable, unfurnished
rooms, their cellars and their ... before God unless the Lord had kept you, and ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/distinguishing grace.htm

The Close of the Theban Empire --(Continued)
... of these chambers shows that they served partly for cellars. ... They kept at the disposal
of their needy customers ... poured out from pure malice the oil which they ...
/.../chapter ithe close of the.htm

Song of Songs of Solomon
... 2. Thy name is as oil poured forth; therefore have the ... in the vineyards; but mine
own vineyard have I not kept. ... 4. He brought me into the wine cellars and set ...
//christianbookshelf.org/guyon/song of songs of solomon/

La Brea
... together side by side, their tops being kept at exactly ... The oil, they say, which
the asphalt contains when it ... such as may be seen in old wine-cellars, into the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter viii la brea.htm

The Transformation of Rome from a Pagan into a Christian City.
... capacity for wine, the metreta for oil, the modius ... a plentiful supply of breadstuffs
was kept at the ... together with their granaries, wine-cellars, strong-boxes ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter i the transformation of.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty
... The Egyptian army, inured to war by its long struggle with the Shepherd-kings, and
kept in training since the reign of Ahmosis by having to repulse the ...
/.../chapter iiithe eighteenth theban dynasty.htm

Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC )
... They were constantly recruited by immigrants from their kinsfolk of the desert,
and the continual infiltration of these semi-barbarous elements kept the race ...
/.../chapter iiisargon of assyria 722-705.htm

Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ...
... Naturalists say that snake-skin, boiled in oil, gives wonderful relief in ear-ache. ...
the Lord says in the Gospel to him who had boasted of having kept the whole ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii jerome answers the.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued)
... of these two subject nations, formed an ill-defined borderland, kept in a ... chariots,****
dyed and embroidered stuffs,^ perfumes,^^ dried cakes, oil, wines of ...
/.../chapter ithe eighteenth theban dynastycontinued.htm