Topical Bible: Oil: Soft

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In biblical times, oil held significant cultural, religious, and practical importance. The term "soft oil" is not explicitly found in the Bible; however, the concept can be understood through the various uses and symbolic meanings of oil in Scripture. Oil, particularly olive oil, was a staple in ancient Israelite life, used for anointing, cooking, lighting, and medicinal purposes.

Anointing and Consecration

Oil was primarily used for anointing, a practice that signified consecration and sanctification. In the Old Testament, priests, kings, and prophets were anointed with oil as a symbol of being set apart for God's service. For instance, in 1 Samuel 16:13, Samuel anoints David with oil: "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." This anointing with oil was a physical representation of the Holy Spirit's empowerment and presence.

Symbol of Joy and Healing

Oil also symbolized joy and healing. In Psalm 45:7, the psalmist writes, "You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of joy above your companions." Here, oil represents gladness and divine favor. Additionally, oil was used for its healing properties, as seen in the parable of the Good Samaritan, where the Samaritan uses oil to tend to the wounds of the injured man (Luke 10:34).

Daily Life and Offerings

In daily life, oil was a crucial component of the diet and was used in cooking and baking. It was also a key ingredient in offerings made to God. Leviticus 2:1 describes the grain offering: "When anyone presents an offering of grain to the LORD, his offering shall be of fine flour. He is to pour oil on it, put frankincense on it." This use of oil in offerings underscores its role in worship and devotion.

Symbol of the Holy Spirit

In the New Testament, oil often symbolizes the Holy Spirit. The parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:1-13 uses oil as a metaphor for spiritual readiness and the presence of the Holy Spirit. The wise virgins' preparedness with oil for their lamps signifies their spiritual vigilance and relationship with God.

Practical Uses

Beyond its symbolic meanings, oil had practical applications in ancient times. It was used as fuel for lamps, providing light in homes and places of worship. In Exodus 27:20, God commands the Israelites to bring "clear oil of pressed olives for the light, to keep the lamps burning continually." This practical use of oil highlights its necessity in daily life and religious practice.

In summary, while the term "soft oil" is not directly mentioned in the Bible, the multifaceted uses and symbolic meanings of oil are deeply woven into the fabric of biblical narrative and theology. From anointing and healing to daily sustenance and spiritual symbolism, oil represents a vital element in understanding the biblical worldview.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 55:21
The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Sword of the Spirit
... He is quiet as the dew, tender as the anointing oil, soft as the zephyr of eventide,
and peaceful as a dove; and yet, under another aspect, he wields a deadly ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the sword of the spirit.htm

But, if it Does not Weary You, Let the Point Out as Briefly as ...
... and set themselves against Me:" and again; "His words were made softer than oil
and yet be they very darts." What then is meant by his words were made soft? ...
/.../20 but if it does.htm

Epistle Xlv. To Theoctista, Patrician .
... And we then take oil in our vessels with our lamps, when we seek not the splendour
of glory for our good deeds from the adulation ... A man clothed in soft raiment ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle xlv to theoctista patrician.htm

Inviolable Messiahs and Prophets
... Oil was an appropriate symbol. ... that was saying, 'Lord, take me, and use me as Thou
wilt,' of that divine Spirit by whose silent, sweet, soft-flowing, strong ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/inviolable messiahs and prophets.htm

Disclosure of the Monstrous Tenets of the Manich??ans.
... lips with a drop of fat, though it has the same shining appearance as oil? ... an infant
surpasses lentils; in smell alone a roast morsel surpasses a soft green fig ...
/.../chapter 16 name of the 2.htm

Three Afternoons Off the Track
... and the second thing is to feed it with castor oil, and put castor oil in its ... with
a special longing; and there was a dear young girl, in a soft blue seeley ...
/.../wilson-carmichael/things as they are/chapter ii three afternoons off.htm

Distinguishing Grace
... Their condition is smooth as oil, and as soft as young down, but their hearts are
as high as poplars, and their manners as stiff as hedge-stakes. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/distinguishing grace.htm

Psalm 55
... while in his heart was war; His speeches were more soft than oil,. and yet
drawn swords they are. ^22Cast thou thy burden on the Lord,. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 55.htm

The Voice of Stern Rebuke
... And the barrel of meal wasted not, neither did the cruse of oil fail, according
to the ... Thou makest it soft with showers: Thou blessest the springing thereof. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 10 the voice of.htm

To the Honourable Mr Yorke.
... His wrath inflamed? his tenderness on fire? Like soft, smooth oil, outblazing other
fires? Can prayer, can praise avert it?"Thou, my all! My theme! ...
/.../young/youngs night thoughts/to the honourable mr yorke.htm