Topical Bible: The Feet: (Washed or Dipped in Oil) Abundance

◄ The Feet: (Washed or Dipped in Oil) Abundance ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical literature, the imagery of feet washed or dipped in oil is a powerful symbol of abundance, prosperity, and divine blessing. This metaphor is rooted in the agrarian context of ancient Israel, where oil, particularly olive oil, was a valuable commodity, signifying wealth and God's favor.

Biblical References and Symbolism

One of the primary references to feet dipped in oil is found in the blessing of Asher by Moses in Deuteronomy 33:24: "About Asher he said: 'Most blessed of sons is Asher; let him be favored by his brothers, and let him dip his foot in oil.'" . This blessing highlights the abundance and prosperity that would characterize the tribe of Asher. The imagery of dipping one's foot in oil suggests an overflowing abundance, as oil was a symbol of wealth, joy, and health in the ancient Near East.

The metaphor of feet washed in oil also appears in Job 29:6, where Job reminisces about his former prosperity: "when my steps were bathed in cream and the rock poured out for me streams of oil." . Here, the imagery conveys a time of great blessing and favor, where resources were plentiful and life was marked by ease and satisfaction.

Cultural and Theological Context

In the cultural context of the Bible, oil was not only a staple in cooking and lighting but also used for anointing and medicinal purposes. It was a sign of hospitality and honor, as seen in the anointing of guests' feet with oil. Thus, the imagery of feet washed or dipped in oil extends beyond material wealth to encompass spiritual and relational richness.

Theologically, the abundance symbolized by oil is often associated with God's covenantal promises. In the Promised Land, described as "a land of olive oil and honey" (Deuteronomy 8:8), oil represents the fulfillment of God's promises to His people. It signifies a life lived under God's provision and care, where His blessings overflow into every aspect of life.

Application and Reflection

For believers, the imagery of feet washed or dipped in oil serves as a reminder of God's abundant provision and the spiritual richness found in a relationship with Him. It encourages a posture of gratitude and trust, recognizing that true abundance is not merely material but encompasses the fullness of life in Christ.

In a broader sense, this imagery challenges believers to reflect on the source of their abundance and to steward their resources in a way that honors God and blesses others. It calls for a life marked by generosity, hospitality, and a deep awareness of God's continual provision.

In conclusion, the biblical imagery of feet washed or dipped in oil is a profound symbol of abundance, reflecting both material prosperity and spiritual richness. It invites believers to live in the fullness of God's blessings, with hearts attuned to His provision and purposes.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 33:24
And of Asher he said, Let Asher be blessed with children; let him be acceptable to his brothers, and let him dip his foot in oil.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 29:6
When I washed my steps with butter, and the rock poured me out rivers of oil;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Appendices
... Their noses reached to the soles of their feet. Of ... of .... Thou hast not washed
thyself in it. ... 61. ... I dipped my hand [in] oil: 62. [I ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/appendices.htm

English Version of the Second Helvetic Confession, AD 1566.
... Also the sinful woman in the Gospel, who washed Christ's feet with her tears; and
Peter, who bitterly wept and bewailed his denial of his Master"do ...
/.../english version of the second.htm

An Exhortation to Theodore after his Fall. Letter I.
... me no water for my feet; but she hath washed my feet ... the time I came in hath not
ceased to kiss my feet. Mine head with oil thou didst not anoint; but she hath ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/an exhortation to theodore after.htm

The Jerusalem Sinner Saved;
... no water for my feet; but she hath washed my feet ... My head with oil thou didst not
anoint, but this woman ... loveth little.' He gets not water for his feet, by his ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the jerusalem sinner saved.htm

Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ...
... make their story good They kill'da kid, and dipped in the ... laid before him, And fell
down at his feet for to ... giv'n his troubled spirits vent, He washed his face ...
/.../scriptural poems being several portions.htm

The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
... is yet far enough off from the blessing of the text: 'There is a generation that
are pure' or righteous 'in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the desire of the righteous.htm

Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ;
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/come and welcome to jesus.htm

A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to ...
... And then how blessed the song to him that hath loved us, and washed us from ... of bread
and wine; nor yet because he takes any delight that we are dipped in water ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a holy life the beauty.htm