Topical Bible: Oil: Penetrating

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, oil held significant cultural, religious, and practical importance. The concept of oil as "penetrating" can be understood both in its physical properties and its symbolic meanings throughout Scripture.

Physical Properties and Uses

Oil, particularly olive oil, was a staple in ancient Israelite life. Its penetrating quality made it ideal for various uses, including cooking, lighting, and as a base for perfumes and anointing oils. The ability of oil to penetrate and saturate surfaces made it a valuable commodity for anointing, as it could symbolize the thoroughness and completeness of the act.

Symbolic Significance

1. Anointing and Consecration: Oil's penetrating nature is emblematic of the Holy Spirit's work in anointing and consecrating individuals for God's purposes. In 1 Samuel 16:13 , we read, "So 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." The oil's penetration signifies the Spirit's deep and abiding presence in the life of the anointed.

2. Healing and Restoration: Oil was used for medicinal purposes, symbolizing healing and restoration. In James 5:14 , it is written, "Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord." The penetrating quality of oil here represents the thorough and restorative power of prayer and divine intervention.

3. Joy and Gladness: Oil is often associated with joy and gladness, penetrating the soul with divine blessing. Psalm 45:7 states, "You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you above your companions with the oil of joy." This passage highlights how God's favor penetrates the heart, bringing profound joy.

4. Preparation and Readiness: The parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:1-13 underscores the importance of being spiritually prepared, with oil symbolizing readiness. The wise virgins' oil penetrates the darkness, providing light and guidance. This illustrates the necessity of spiritual vigilance and preparedness for the coming of the Lord.

Cultural and Religious Context

In the ancient Near East, oil was a symbol of wealth and prosperity. Its penetrating quality made it a fitting metaphor for abundance and blessing. Deuteronomy 33:24 blesses Asher, saying, "May he dip his foot in oil," indicating prosperity and favor. The imagery of oil penetrating the land and enriching it reflects God's provision and blessing upon His people.

Conclusion

The concept of oil as "penetrating" in the Bible is rich with meaning, encompassing physical, spiritual, and symbolic dimensions. It serves as a powerful metaphor for the Holy Spirit's work, divine healing, joy, readiness, and God's abundant blessings. Through its pervasive presence in Scripture, oil continues to be a profound symbol of God's interaction with His creation.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 109:18
As he clothed himself with cursing like as with his garment, so let it come into his bowels like water, and like oil into his bones.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Greek

218. aleipho -- anoint.
... Oil was also applied to the feet to soothe and show (courtesy, respect). Anointing
shares a "penetrating comfort" to impart strength and healing ().]. anoint. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/218.htm - 7k

Library

Thirtieth Day. The Unction from the Holy One.
... He anoints is called the oil of holiness, the Holy Spirit. Holiness is indeed a
Divine ointment. Just as there is nothing so subtle and penetrating as the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/murray/holy in christ/thirtieth day the unction from.htm

Of Positiveness.
... They are the gentle insinuations which pierce (as oil is the most penetrating of
all liquors) but in these Magisterial documents men think themselves attacked ...
/.../allestree/the government of the tongue/section xi of positiveness.htm

The Fourfold Symbols of the Spirit
... And so, when we read of the oil of the Spirit, we are to think that ... stupidity so
crass and dense but that through it there will pass the penetrating shafts of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/the fourfold symbols of the.htm

The King in his Beauty
... hated wickedness: therefore God, Thy God, hath anointed Thee with the oil of gladness ...
is His majesty, and His sharpest weapon is His all-penetrating love, and ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the king in his beauty.htm

Last Journey of Jesus to Jerusalem.
... The word Gethsemane seems to signify "oil-press."]. ... His gentle and penetrating genius
inspired him when alone with his disciples, with accents full of tenderness ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/renan/the life of jesus/chapter xxi last journey of.htm

Women's Bible Training School
... Strong, true, a woman of no ordinary ability, little escaped her penetrating glance. ...
It was not, as we have supposed, in her confidence that oil would be ...
/.../the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter xvi womens bible training.htm

The Sword of the Spirit
... He is quiet as the dew, tender as the anointing oil, soft as the zephyr of ... so piercing,
so able to divide between the joints and marrow, so penetrating as to ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the sword of the spirit.htm

"The Earth was Invisible and Unfinished. "
... The rays of the sun, penetrating the water, often allow us to see the pebbles ... a more
attractive appearance, just as when men in deep sea pour in oil they make ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/homily ii the earth was.htm

Basil -- the Creation of the World
... The rays of the sun, penetrating the water, often allow us to see the pebbles ... cheerful
and a more attractive appearance, just as when men pour in oil into the ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume i/basil the creation of.htm

The Baptist's Testimony.
... uncared-for hair; the wiry, weather-beaten frame; the lofty, calm, penetrating eye,
were ... became the Christ was an anointing, not with a symbolic oil, but with ...
/.../the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol i/iii the baptists testimony.htm