Topical Bible: Oil: Kept in Horns

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In biblical times, oil was a valuable commodity with various uses, including anointing, medicinal purposes, and as a fuel for lamps. One of the notable methods of storing and transporting oil was in horns, typically made from the horns of animals such as oxen or rams. This practice is mentioned in several instances throughout the Scriptures, highlighting its significance in religious and cultural contexts.

Anointing and Consecration

The use of oil stored in horns is prominently associated with the anointing of individuals for sacred purposes. The most notable example is the anointing of kings and prophets in Israel. In 1 Samuel 16:1, God instructs the prophet Samuel to anoint David as king over Israel: "The LORD said to Samuel, 'How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and go; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem, for I have chosen one of his sons to be king.'" . Here, the horn filled with oil symbolizes God's choice and the divine authority bestowed upon the anointed individual.

Similarly, in 1 Kings 1:39, Zadok the priest anoints Solomon as king: "Zadok the priest took the horn of oil from the sacred tent and anointed Solomon. Then they blew the trumpet, and all the people shouted, 'Long live King Solomon!'" . The use of a horn for anointing underscores the sacredness of the act and the continuity of divine favor and leadership.

Symbolism and Significance

The horn itself carries symbolic meaning in the biblical narrative. It is often associated with strength, power, and authority. The use of a horn to store oil for anointing purposes reinforces the idea that the anointed person is endowed with strength and authority from God. The horn, as a natural vessel, also signifies purity and the organic nature of God's provision and blessing.

Cultural and Practical Aspects

From a practical standpoint, horns were durable and readily available materials for creating containers. They were naturally hollow and could be sealed to prevent spillage, making them ideal for storing precious substances like oil. The portability of horns allowed for easy transport, which was essential for prophets and priests who traveled to perform anointing ceremonies.

Ritual and Worship

Beyond anointing, oil stored in horns played a role in various religious rituals and offerings. In Levitical practices, oil was a component of grain offerings and was used in the consecration of priests and sacred objects. The use of oil in these contexts symbolized sanctification and the presence of the Holy Spirit.

In summary, the practice of keeping oil in horns is deeply embedded in the biblical tradition, serving both practical and symbolic purposes. It highlights the importance of anointing in the religious life of Israel and underscores the themes of divine selection, empowerment, and the sacredness of God's covenant with His people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Kings 1:39
And Zadok the priest took an horn of oil out of the tabernacle, and anointed Solomon. And they blew the trumpet; and all the people said, God save king Solomon.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Our Miseries, Messengers of Mercy
... thee thy corn, and thy wine, and thy oil;" so they ... an iron pen, and graven upon the
very horns of their ... God has tried you with mercy upon mercy; kept you long ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/our miseries messengers of mercy.htm

On Daniel. Ii. The Interpretation by Hippolytus, (Bishop) of Rome ...
... namely"was broken; and there arose four horns under it ... they were anointed with the
holy oil, which Moses ... sins not finished, but sealed to be kept for judgment ...
/.../on daniel ii the interpretation.htm

David the Shepherd Youth.
... the fire and smoke and crowds, as he kept his father's ... from watching his sheep to
pour scented oil upon his ... sent out messengers to sound the war-horns up and ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/david the shepherd youth.htm

Rahab's Faith
... and mount the walls; but no, rams' horns again, up to ... thread in the window all the
time, kept her father ... us to Christ, they are like drops of oil dropped into ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/rahabs faith.htm

"The Prophets of God Helping Them"
... of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to ... the divine purpose for Israel
was kept before the ... Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem," symbolized by four horns. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 46 the prophets of.htm

Appendix 1 Massecheth Middoth
... built on the top of it; and the priests kept guard above ... said: "There they put the
wine and the oil; it was ... The place of the horns, a cubit on this side and a ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/appendix 1 massecheth middoth.htm

Demonstration v. --Of Wars.
... king, who was anointed with the holy oil, was called ... For the ten horns were ten kings
[789] who arose at ... against it; because the Kingdom is being kept safe for ...
/.../aphrahat/aphrahat select demonstrations/demonstration v of wars.htm

The Power of Little Things.
... oil for the light, spices for anointing oil and for ... Israelites marching around the
city blowing these horns, they must ... I am that a good many are kept out of ...
/.../moody/to the work to the work/chapter vi the power of.htm

Christ's Birth
... to give warning of danger by blowing horns if they ... it was also for the watchers,
who kept their belongings ... a kind of peninsula], a spring as of oil burst forth ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xi christs birth.htm

Psalm LXXXIX.
... that he is held accursed of us, who kept us in ... in Thy good pleasure Thou shalt lift
up our horns" (ver.17 ... that David from David's seed: "with My holy oil have I ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxxix.htm