Topical Bible: Commerce: Articles of Oil

◄ Commerce: Articles of Oil ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, oil was a significant commodity in the ancient Near East, playing a crucial role in both daily life and religious practices. The term "oil" in the Bible typically refers to olive oil, which was the most common and valuable type of oil in the region. Olive oil was used for a variety of purposes, including cooking, lighting, anointing, and as a base for perfumes and ointments.

Economic Importance

Olive oil was a staple in the economy of ancient Israel and its surrounding regions. It was a key agricultural product, and its production and trade were vital to the livelihood of many. The process of cultivating olive trees, harvesting the olives, and pressing them to extract oil was labor-intensive, making it a valuable commodity. Olive oil was often traded in local and international markets, serving as a medium of exchange and a measure of wealth.

The Bible provides numerous references to the economic significance of oil. In 2 Kings 4:1-7, the widow of a prophet's disciple is instructed by Elisha to gather empty vessels and pour her small amount of oil into them. Miraculously, the oil multiplies, allowing her to sell it and pay off her debts, illustrating the value of oil as a means of economic sustenance.

Religious and Ceremonial Use

Oil held a prominent place in religious rituals and ceremonies. It was used for anointing priests, kings, and sacred objects, symbolizing consecration and the presence of the Holy Spirit. In Exodus 30:22-25, God instructs Moses to prepare a sacred anointing oil, composed of olive oil and various spices, to consecrate the Tabernacle and its furnishings.

The anointing of kings with oil is a significant biblical theme. For instance, in 1 Samuel 16:13, Samuel anoints David with oil, signifying his divine selection as king of Israel: "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."

Symbolism and Spiritual Significance

Oil is often used symbolically in the Bible to represent the Holy Spirit, abundance, and joy. In Psalm 23:5, David writes, "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows." Here, oil signifies God's blessing and favor.

The parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:1-13 uses oil as a metaphor for spiritual readiness and preparedness. The wise virgins bring extra oil for their lamps, while the foolish ones do not, highlighting the importance of being spiritually prepared for the coming of the Lord.

Conclusion

In summary, oil was a vital article of commerce in biblical times, integral to the economy, religious practices, and daily life. Its multifaceted uses and symbolic meanings underscore its importance in the biblical narrative, reflecting both material and spiritual dimensions.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Kings 5:11
And Solomon gave Hiram twenty thousand measures of wheat for food to his household, and twenty measures of pure oil: thus gave Solomon to Hiram year by year.
Nave's Topical Index

Ezekiel 27:17
Judah, and the land of Israel, they were your merchants: they traded in your market wheat of Minnith, and Pannag, and honey, and oil, and balm.
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Library

Commerce
... But no sketch of commerce among the early Jews ... the exception of wood and metals,
chiefly articles of luxury ... consisted of such produce as wheat, oil, balsam, honey ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 12 commerce.htm

Twenty-Seven Articles Respecting the Reformation of the Christian ...
... Now though I am too lowly to submit articles that could serve for the reformation
of ... whilst at Rome they laugh at fasts, they let us abroad eat oil which they ...
/.../iii twenty-seven articles respecting the.htm

The Destruction of Babylon.
... and myrrh, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine ... And these articles of traffic
are symbolized by the ... The commerce of this ecclesiastical city, has been ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the destruction of babylon.htm

The Reconnoitering of Greece.
... of Persian armor of beautiful workmanship, and articles of dress ... the Scriptures as
a great pagan emporium of commerce. ... with the corn, and wine, and oil of the ...
/.../abbott/darius the great/chapter vi the reconnoitering of.htm

Chaldaean Civilization
... The constitution of the family and its property"Chaldaean commerce and industry ... workmen:
administrators of corn, cattle, precious metals, wine and oil; in fine ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued)
... of the consumer, the waning commerce which had ... the tomb of liakhmiri among the articles
of tribute ... embroidered stuffs,^ perfumes,^^ dried cakes, oil, wines of ...
/.../chapter ithe eighteenth theban dynastycontinued.htm

The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea
... interior was panelled with cedar or cypress"rare woods procured as articles of commerce
from the ... Oil, it shall be offered to thee, anoint thyself with it. ...
/.../chapter iithe temples and the.htm

Index i. Of Subjects
... site, history, and commerce of, ii.349, 351; Christ stays with Zacch??us in,
352-355; ... wines and articles of diet at, 208, 209; ... Oil, value of, ii.268, 269. ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/index i of subjects.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... labour; the olive trees and vines which had supplied him with oil and wine ... account
of its strategic position and its favourable situation for commerce, but this ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

The Reaction against Egypt
... into one, and thus formed a continuous route, along which the caravans of commerce,
as well ... It is the only monument in which the first coup d'oil surpasses the ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm