Topical Bible: Oil: Comes Form the Earth

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Topical Encyclopedia

Oil, in the biblical context, is a significant substance that appears frequently throughout the Scriptures. It is often associated with anointing, healing, and offerings, and it holds both practical and symbolic importance. The Bible references various types of oil, primarily olive oil, which was a staple in the ancient Near East.

Biblical References and Uses

1. Anointing and Consecration: Oil is prominently used for anointing in the Bible, symbolizing sanctification and the Holy Spirit's presence. In Exodus 30:25, God instructs Moses to make a sacred anointing oil: "Prepare from these a holy anointing oil, a fragrant blend, the work of a perfumer; it will be a holy anointing oil." This oil was used to consecrate the tabernacle and its furnishings, as well as the priests, setting them apart for God's service.

2. Healing and Restoration: Oil is also associated with healing. In the New Testament, James 5:14 advises, "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." This practice underscores the belief in oil as a medium for divine healing and restoration.

3. Offerings and Sacrifices: Oil was a key component in offerings and sacrifices. 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 olive oil on it, put frankincense on it." Oil, in this context, represents dedication and the richness of the offering to God.

4. Provision and Sustenance: Oil is depicted as a source of sustenance and blessing. In 1 Kings 17:14, during a time of famine, the prophet Elijah assures the widow of Zarephath, "For this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'The jar of flour will not be exhausted and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the LORD sends rain on the land.'" This miracle highlights oil as a symbol of God's provision.

5. Symbol of Joy and Gladness: Oil is often associated with joy and celebration. Psalm 23:5 states, "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows." Here, oil signifies abundance and divine favor.

Symbolism and Spiritual Significance

Oil's symbolism extends beyond its physical properties. It represents the Holy Spirit's presence and work in the believer's life. The anointing with oil is a physical act that signifies spiritual truths, such as empowerment, healing, and consecration. The parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:1-13 further illustrates oil as a metaphor for spiritual readiness and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient Israel, oil was a valuable commodity, essential for daily life. It was used for cooking, lighting lamps, and as a base for perfumes and medicines. The process of extracting oil from olives involved crushing and pressing, which is metaphorically linked to the trials and refining processes believers undergo.

Conclusion

Oil, as it comes from the earth, is a divine provision that serves multiple purposes in the biblical narrative. Its uses and symbolism reflect God's care, presence, and the spiritual truths central to the Christian faith.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 104:14,15
He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hosea 2:22
And the earth shall hear the corn, and the wine, and the oil; and they shall hear Jezreel.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

"The Earth was Invisible and Unfinished. "
... uncreate nor created by God, from whence comes its nature ... Three things are, indeed,
needed to form a shadow, light, a ... 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
... neither uncreated nor created by God, from whence comes its nature ... Three things are,
indeed, needed to form a shadow: light ... just as when men pour in oil into the ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume i/basil the creation of.htm

Thou Anointest My Head with Oil; My Cup Runneth Over.
... the wanderings of the day are over, and now comes the time ... He has olive oil and
cedar-tar to use as ... again to earth and consider the human form"the chiefest ...
/.../callan/the shepherd of my soul/x thou anointest my head.htm

On Confirmation
... strong in our faith till the Holy Ghost comes in Confirmation ... The oil signifies the
strength we receive, and the balm ... the forehead with chrism in the form of a ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 15 on confirmation.htm

The Germination of the Earth.
... In fact, first comes germination, then verdure, then the ... temperature, it might return
to its first form. ... olive tree, whose fruit brightens his face with oil. ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/homily v the germination of.htm

The First vision "On Earth"
... sorrows, says, "there shall be famines." Corn, oil, and wine ... refers to Revelation
11.And then comes the plaintive ... Divine truth to us in a Divine form and manner ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the first vision on earth.htm

The Form and Spirit of Religion
... not know how to alter; a religion that comes from the ... salvation seems to depend upon
the rightness of the form. ... to get greased at last with holy oil, and off I ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the form and spirit of.htm

Letter Liv. To Furia.
... a cruse of oil comes from it ... died there; [1607] but in the house of a heathen widow
oil flowed in ... They also form the legs of the tongs by which the live coal is ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter liv to furia.htm

The Comforter Given
... to the aid of another,' primarily as an advocate in a court of law, but more widely
as a helper in any form whatsoever ... He comes as the 'Oil,' gently flowing ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/the comforter given.htm

The Sixth vision "On Earth"
... and therefore at this stage, before he comes up out of the Abyss in his superhuman
form, it can be ... Christ Himself, relatively, as regards the earth, it can ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the sixth vision on earth.htm