Topical Bible: Oil: Kinds of, Mentioned: Olive

◄ Oil: Kinds of, Mentioned: Olive ►

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Olive Oil in the Bible

Olive oil holds a significant place in the biblical narrative, both as a practical commodity and a symbol of spiritual truths. It is the most frequently mentioned type of oil in the Scriptures, reflecting its importance in the daily life and religious practices of the ancient Israelites.

Cultural and Practical Uses

Olive oil was a staple in the diet of the people of the Bible, used for cooking and as a condiment. It was also employed for lighting lamps, as seen in the parable of the ten virgins: "The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take along any extra oil" (Matthew 25:3). This highlights its role in providing light, a necessity for life and a metaphor for spiritual readiness.

In addition to its culinary and practical uses, olive oil was used for anointing, a practice that signified consecration and blessing. Kings, priests, and prophets were anointed with oil, symbolizing the Holy Spirit's empowerment and God's favor. For instance, when Samuel anointed David, "Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward" (1 Samuel 16:13).

Religious and Symbolic Significance

Olive oil's religious significance is profound. It was a key component in the sacred anointing oil described in Exodus 30:22-25, used to consecrate the tabernacle and its furnishings, as well as the priests. This anointing oil was a blend of olive oil and various spices, symbolizing holiness and dedication to God.

The use of olive oil in offerings is also noteworthy. In Leviticus, it is prescribed as part of the grain offering: "With the finest flour, you are to mix oil and put frankincense on it; it is a grain offering" (Leviticus 2:1). This offering represents the dedication of one's labor and sustenance to the Lord, acknowledging His provision and sovereignty.

Symbol of Abundance and Blessing

Olive oil is frequently associated with abundance and blessing. The Promised Land is described as "a land of olive oil and honey" (Deuteronomy 8:8), indicating prosperity and divine favor. The abundance of olive oil was a sign of God's blessing and a reflection of the land's fertility.

In the prophetic literature, olive oil symbolizes peace and restoration. Zechariah's vision of the two olive trees supplying oil to the lampstand (Zechariah 4:2-3) is interpreted as God's Spirit empowering His people, emphasizing divine provision and the continuous flow of God's grace.

Conclusion

Throughout the Bible, olive oil is more than a mere commodity; it is a profound symbol of God's provision, blessing, and the anointing of His Spirit. Its presence in the biblical text underscores its integral role in the spiritual and daily life of God's people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 30:24
And of cassia five hundred shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary, and of oil olive an hin:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 24:2
Command the children of Israel, that they bring to you pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamps to burn continually.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Entire Sanctification in Type.
... holy garments for glory and for beauty, not only was the breast-plate to be set
with twelve kinds of precious ... The pure olive oil is mentioned many times in ...
/.../clark/the theology of holiness/chapter iv entire sanctification in.htm

In Galilee at the Time of Our Lord
... In the Talmud it is mentioned by the name of ... although not so plentiful as the oil,
was generous ... on there"large potteries of different kinds, and dyeworks. ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 3 in galilee at.htm

Disclosure of the Monstrous Tenets of the Manich??ans.
... the refuse of flesh itself, has all kinds of bright ... does not, what will you say of
oil, which lights ... does the wine itself, as already mentioned, become purer ...
/.../chapter 16 name of the 2.htm

Psalm LXXXIV.
... in winepresses, they flow down, having become oil or wine ... Those things which I mentioned,
let no one while ... gift of healing, to another different kinds of tongues ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxxiv.htm

Letter cii. (AD 409. )
... on the surface in water as olive oil does, because ... suppose different things and
different kinds of salvation ... sacred Hebrew books some are mentioned, even from ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter cii a d 409.htm

The Death of the Blessed virgin Mary at Ephesus
... Blessed Sacrament, and in the others chrism, oil, salt, other ... 190] I saw him healing
many kinds of illnesses ... on her fingers the figures she mentioned: See this ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xviii the death of the.htm

Sermons on Selected Lessons of the Gospels.
... us, cure of, [887]439; of many kinds, [888]438 ... 1141]368; number of generations to
Christ, mentioned by St. ... called "dogs," [1160]345; the "wild olive tree," [1161 ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of.htm

Psalm CXLVII.
... the lyre and the harp, and such kinds of instruments ... to be understood, from the
gentleness mentioned first ... the number of virgins, who carried their oil with them ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxlvii.htm

The Nile and Egypt
... of the heavy sycamore, and the castor-oil plant increasingly ... All kinds of granite
are found together in this ... The sea mentioned in all these tales is perhaps a ...
/.../chapter i the nile and egypt.htm

John Chapter i. 34-51
... fully said by the apostle, we have mentioned and recounted ... God, hath anointed Thee
with the oil of gladness ... There are two kinds of builders, those building upon ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate vii john chapter i.htm