Topical Bible: Oil: Kept in Pots

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In biblical times, oil was a valuable commodity, often used for anointing, cooking, lighting, and medicinal purposes. The storage of oil in pots is a recurring theme in Scripture, symbolizing provision, blessing, and sometimes judgment.

Old Testament References

One of the most notable accounts of oil kept in pots is found in the account of the widow of Zarephath. During a severe famine, the prophet Elijah encounters a widow gathering sticks. She has only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. Elijah instructs her to bake a small cake for him first, promising that "the jar of flour will not be exhausted and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD sends rain on the face of the earth" (1 Kings 17:14). This miraculous provision underscores God's ability to sustain His people through limited resources.

Another significant account is the account of Elisha and the widow's oil in 2 Kings 4:1-7. A widow, facing the threat of her sons being taken as slaves to pay her debts, seeks Elisha's help. He instructs her to borrow empty vessels from her neighbors and pour her small amount of oil into them. Miraculously, the oil continues to flow until all the vessels are filled. Elisha tells her, "Go, sell the oil and pay your debt. You and your sons can live on the remainder" (2 Kings 4:7). This narrative highlights God's provision and the importance of faith and obedience.

Symbolism and Usage

Oil in pots often symbolizes the Holy Spirit and His anointing. In the tabernacle and temple, oil was used for anointing priests and sacred objects, signifying consecration and the presence of God. The parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:1-13 further illustrates the spiritual significance of oil. The wise virgins, who kept oil in their lamps, were prepared for the bridegroom's arrival, symbolizing readiness and spiritual vigilance.

Cultural and Practical Aspects

In ancient Israel, oil was typically stored in clay pots or jars, which were sealed to preserve the oil's quality. Olive oil, the most common type, was a staple in daily life, used for cooking, lighting lamps, and as a base for perfumes and ointments. The production and storage of oil were vital to the economy and daily sustenance of the people.

Theological Implications

The accounts of oil kept in pots serve as reminders of God's provision and faithfulness. They encourage believers to trust in God's ability to provide abundantly, even in times of scarcity. The accounts also emphasize the importance of obedience and faith, as seen in the actions of the widows who followed the prophets' instructions.

In summary, oil kept in pots in the Bible is a multifaceted symbol of God's provision, the anointing of the Holy Spirit, and the importance of spiritual readiness. These narratives continue to inspire and instruct believers in their walk of faith.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Kings 4:2
And Elisha said to her, What shall I do for you? tell me, what have you in the house? And she said, Your handmaid has not any thing in the house, save a pot of oil.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The First Miracle.
... to do what had been done for the widow's cruse of oil (1 Kings ... For as what the servants
put in the water-pots was changed ... Thou hast kept the good wine until now ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the first miracle.htm

Dying Lamps
... with the life from which it was first kindled, be kept constantly clear ... The cruse
of oil began to run ... that she could rake together, big and little, pots and cups ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/dying lamps.htm

The Marriage of Cana
... that which is worse; but thou hast kept the good ... Jesus should now turn six large
water-pots of water ... as Elijah did with the poor woman, whose oil increased, to ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the marriage of cana.htm

The Bishop Elect and Consecrate
... his new duties, lest he should have holy oil on his ... the king had given him, bestowed
the royal pots and crocks. ... the swan seemed ill and sullen, and kept to his ...
/.../marson/hugh bishop of lincoln/chapter iv the bishop elect.htm

Book vii. On the Useful or the Ordinary
... The same in another part: Let not the oil of the ... not enter by it, and you will be
kept from those who ... in the apostle: here, we have a treasure in earthen pots. ...
/.../eucherius/the formulae of st eucherius of lyons/book vii on the useful.htm

The Waterer Watered
... the lamp of their joy they require much oil of comfort. ... God the Holy Ghost they may
be kept fruitful, green ... the pond and dipping in their watering-pots to carry ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the waterer watered.htm

The Marriage Feast in Cana of Galilee - the Miracle that is a Sign ...
... the former case, therefore, each of these pots might have ... but because the gift of
wine or oil on such ... surrounded His Birth; but the deeper she kept all these ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iv the marriage feast.htm

The Tangled Web
... and ballista upon the eminences outside the walls kept up an ... with huge, ludicrous
awkward arms, heaved up pots of burning pitch and oil and flung them ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter xvii the tangled web.htm

The Folly and Danger of Being not Righteous Enough
... things of God first; look well to obtain oil in your ... drank, that which is worse;
but thou hast kept the good ... he commanded them to fill the water-pots with water ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the folly and danger of.htm

Port of Spain
... A tall palm"whether Palmiste or Oil-palm"has its ... as are put on English dinner-tables
in pots: but this ... every quarter of the globe, and gardens kept up in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter iv port of spain.htm