Definition and Description:
Olive berries, commonly referred to as olives, are the fruit of the olive tree (Olea europaea), a species native to the Mediterranean Basin. The olive tree is a small evergreen tree or shrub that is highly valued for its fruit and the oil derived from it. Olive berries are typically harvested in the late autumn and are known for their rich oil content, which has been a staple in the diet and economy of the ancient Near East.

Biblical Significance:
Olive berries hold significant symbolic and practical importance in the Bible. They are frequently mentioned in the context of agriculture, economy, and religious rituals. The olive tree and its fruit are symbols of peace, prosperity, and divine blessing.

Scriptural References:

1. Symbol of Peace and Prosperity:
The olive branch is famously associated with peace, as seen in the account of Noah. After the flood, a dove returned to Noah with an olive leaf in its beak, signaling the receding of the waters and the restoration of the earth (Genesis 8:11): "When the dove returned to him in the evening, there was a freshly plucked olive leaf in its beak. So Noah knew that the waters had receded from the earth."

2. Economic Importance:
Olive oil, derived from the pressing of olive berries, was a critical commodity in ancient Israel. It was used for cooking, lighting lamps, and as an ingredient in anointing oils. Deuteronomy 8:8 lists the olive tree among the blessings of the Promised Land: "a land of wheat and barley, of vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive oil and honey."

3. Religious and Ritual Use:
Olive oil was used in various religious ceremonies, including anointing priests and kings. In Exodus 30:24-25 , God instructs Moses on the preparation of the sacred anointing oil, which includes olive oil: "500 shekels of cassia—all according to the sanctuary shekel—and a hin of olive oil. Prepare from these a holy anointing oil, a fragrant blend, the work of a perfumer; it will be a holy anointing oil."

4. Symbol of Divine Favor and Judgment:
The olive tree is also used metaphorically to describe Israel and its relationship with God. In Jeremiah 11:16 , God refers to Israel as a "green olive tree, beautiful with well-formed fruit," but warns of judgment due to their disobedience: "The LORD once called you a thriving olive tree, beautiful with well-formed fruit. But with the roar of a mighty storm, He will set it on fire, and its branches will be consumed."

Cultural Context:
In the ancient world, the cultivation of olive trees and the production of olive oil were central to the economy and daily life. Olive oil was not only a dietary staple but also used in trade and as a measure of wealth. The process of harvesting and pressing olives was labor-intensive, reflecting the diligence and care required to maintain a fruitful olive grove.

Theological Implications:
The olive tree and its fruit are enduring symbols of God's provision and blessing. The imagery of the olive branch as a sign of peace and the use of olive oil in anointing highlight the themes of reconciliation, consecration, and the presence of the Holy Spirit. The resilience and longevity of the olive tree serve as a metaphor for faithfulness and enduring covenant relationship with God.Olive Berries

OLIVE BERRIES

ber'-iz.

See OLIVE TREE.

False Profession.
... good olive-tree. Now these can bring forth nothing but wild olive-berries;
they cannot bring forth fruit unto God. Such are all ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xx false profession.htm

The Tongue.
... illustration which follows: "Doth a fountain send forth at the same place, sweet
water and bitter?" "Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries, or a ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/robertson/sermons preached at brighton/i the tongue.htm

James iii. 9-12
... Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? Can. the
fig-tree, my brethren, bear olive berries, either a vine figs? ...
/.../neander/the epistle of james practically explained/james iii 12-sep.htm

Psalm LXXIII.
... thing by His Omnipotence, namely, that the wild olive should be graffed into the
root of the olive, and should not bear wild berries, but olive"ascribing it ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxiii.htm

At the Feast of Tabernacles
... been gathered. The olive berries had been picked, and the precious oil stored
in bottles. The palm had yielded her store. The purple ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 49 at the feast.htm

Let us Therefore Examine Carefully the Real Significance of that ...
... juice? Is foul blood pressed forth from the olive berries, and is oil no
longer supplied to the lamp, now extinguished? Have animals ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/2 let us therefore examine.htm

November 19 Morning
... bitter? Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine,
figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh. ...
/.../anonymous/daily light on the daily path/november 19 morning.htm

Ninth Commandment
... Doth a fountain send forth at the same time sweet water and bitter? Can the
fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine figs? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/ninth commandment.htm

On the Sunday Called "Episozomenes," to those who had Come to ...
... tree." [1769] And again, of the city itself: "As olive berries on the extremity
of the highest bough, and they shall say, Do them no harm." [1770] Nevertheless ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xix on the sunday.htm

Faustus Insists that Jesus Might have Died Though not Born, by the ...
... human experience of the course of nature; as that a wild olive engrafted in a good
olive should bring forth the fatness of the olive instead of wild berries. ...
/.../faustus insists that jesus might.htm

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