Topical Bible: Oil: Kept in Storehouses

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In biblical times, oil was a valuable commodity, essential for daily life and religious practices. It was used for cooking, lighting, anointing, and as a trade item. The storage of oil in storehouses is mentioned in several passages, highlighting its importance and the need for careful management and preservation.

Biblical References

One of the earliest references to oil being stored is found in the account of Joseph in Egypt. During the years of plenty, Joseph, under Pharaoh's authority, collected and stored surplus grain and other commodities, including oil, to prepare for the impending famine. Genesis 41:48-49 states, "During those seven years of abundance, the land brought forth bountifully. So Joseph collected all the excess food in the land of Egypt and stored it in the cities. In every city, he laid up the food from the fields around it."

The practice of storing oil is also evident in the instructions given to the Israelites regarding the offerings and tithes. In 2 Chronicles 32:27-28 , King Hezekiah is described as having "storehouses for the harvest of grain, new wine, and oil," indicating the organized storage of these essential resources.

Religious and Cultural Significance

Oil held significant religious importance in ancient Israel. It was used in the anointing of priests and kings, symbolizing consecration and the presence of the Holy Spirit. The sacred anointing oil, as described in Exodus 30:22-25, was a carefully prepared mixture, stored and used exclusively for holy purposes.

The parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:1-13 underscores the importance of having oil in reserve. The wise virgins brought extra oil for their lamps, while the foolish ones did not, illustrating the necessity of preparedness and vigilance in spiritual matters.

Economic and Practical Aspects

Economically, oil was a significant trade item. It was often exchanged for other goods and played a crucial role in the prosperity of regions like Israel, which had abundant olive groves. The storage of oil ensured a stable supply for both domestic use and trade, contributing to the economic stability of the community.

Practically, oil was stored in large jars or vats, often kept in cool, dark places to preserve its quality. The careful management of oil supplies was essential, as it was a staple in cooking and lighting, especially in a time before modern conveniences.

Conclusion

The storage of oil in biblical times reflects its multifaceted role in society, encompassing religious, economic, and practical dimensions. The biblical narrative consistently highlights the importance of wise stewardship and preparedness, principles that remain relevant in various aspects of life today.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 32:28
Storehouses also for the increase of corn, and wine, and oil; and stalls for all manner of beasts, and cotes for flocks.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Psalm LXXXIV.
... but that he may flow down into the storehouses of God ... if in winepresses, they flow
down, having become oil or wine ... the rest of the storeroom, to be kept there in ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxxiv.htm

The Close of the Theban Empire --(Continued)
... In some cases the storehouses were constructed on a regular ... They kept at the disposal
of their needy customers ... poured out from pure malice the oil which they ...
/.../chapter ithe close of the.htm

John xv. 11, 12
... "Well then; if they kept not Thy ... Thus the virgins who had the lamps, had oil, but
not in ... What need hast thou of bursting [2223] storehouses, of a multitude of ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lxxvii john xv 11.htm

The African Rome
... The grain and oil of all countries lay in her docks"the storehouses of the ... brilliant,
that of the Divinity of the Emperors, which was still kept up even ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/ii the african rome.htm

Covenanting According to the Purposes of God.
... hear the corn, and the wine, and the oil; and they ... the blessing upon thee in thy
storehouses, and in ... which covenant engagements are made and kept, according to ...
/.../the ordinance of covenanting/chapter viii covenanting according to.htm

The Sixth Book
... of birds, and almost all those superstitions kept up which ... the public wealth had
made the storehouses inadequate; the ... for some, but pour healing oil on others ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the sixth book.htm

On his Father'S Silence, Because of the Plague of Hail.
... is a life worthy of praise, and kept pure for ... the ground of subsequent conduct, no
oil obtained from ... Why have the crops withered, our storehouses been emptied ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xvi on his fathers.htm

Three Homilies. On Our Lord.
... Virgin, He entered Sheol and plundered its storehouses and emptied ... the feet of her
Healer with oil freely, for ... Moses who kept them in awe was removed from them ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/three homilies on our lord.htm

The Nile and Egypt
... the heavy sycamore, and the castor-oil plant increasingly ... The river kept the secret
of its source from ... the granaries are filled, the storehouses are prosperous ...
/.../chapter i the nile and egypt.htm

The Political Constitution of Egypt
... was the "White Storehouse," where the stuffs and jewels were kept, and at ... Storehouse
for Grain," the "Storehouse for Liquors," and ten other storehouses of the ...
/.../chapter ithe political constitution of.htm