Topical Bible: Oil: Stores of, Laid up in Fortified Cities

◄ Oil: Stores of, Laid up in Fortified Cities ►

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In the ancient Near East, oil was a valuable commodity, essential for daily life, religious practices, and economic trade. The Bible provides several references to the storage of oil, particularly in fortified cities, highlighting its importance and strategic value.

Biblical References

One of the key references to the storage of oil in fortified cities is found in 2 Chronicles 11:11-12. This passage describes King Rehoboam's efforts to strengthen the defenses of Judah by fortifying cities and ensuring they were well-supplied: "He strengthened their fortresses and put commanders in them, with supplies of food, oil, and wine." . This strategic move underscores the necessity of oil as a staple resource, vital for both sustenance and trade.

Historical and Cultural Context

In biblical times, oil, particularly olive oil, was a fundamental part of daily life. It was used for cooking, lighting lamps, anointing, and as a base for perfumes and medicines. The production and storage of oil were critical for the economic stability and self-sufficiency of a city, especially during sieges or times of conflict. Fortified cities, therefore, often had designated storage facilities to ensure a steady supply of oil, which was as crucial as food and water.

Symbolic and Religious Significance

Oil also held significant religious symbolism in the Bible. It was used in anointing rituals, symbolizing consecration and the presence of the Holy Spirit. The anointing of kings, priests, and prophets with oil signified their divine appointment and empowerment for service. The storage of oil in fortified cities can thus be seen as not only a practical measure but also a reflection of its sacred role in the life of the community.

Strategic Importance

The strategic importance of oil stores in fortified cities cannot be overstated. In times of war or siege, a city's ability to withstand prolonged isolation depended heavily on its stored resources. Oil, being a versatile and essential commodity, was a critical component of these reserves. The presence of oil stores would have been a factor in a city's resilience and ability to maintain its daily functions and morale during difficult times.

Conclusion

The biblical account of oil storage in fortified cities provides insight into the economic, cultural, and religious life of ancient Israel. It highlights the multifaceted role of oil as a resource that was essential for survival, worship, and governance. The strategic storage of oil in fortified cities reflects the foresight and prudence of leaders like Rehoboam, who understood the necessity of preparing for both the spiritual and physical needs of their people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 11:11
And he fortified the strong holds, and put captains in them, and store of victual, and of oil and wine.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal
... foundations, upon which he poured libations of oil, honey, palm ... pushing forward as
far as Sippara, laid waste the ... Bit-Dakkuri seem to have plucked up courage at ...
/.../chapter iithe power of assyria 2.htm

Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ...
... his word and advice he opened the stores of those ... Nor had they altogether laid aside
the grudge they ... a further cause of dissension which stirred up again the ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xliii funeral oration on.htm

Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC )
... the good effects he expected: the Mannai laid down their arms ... within the town, but
had taken up a position ... the throne, his sceptre, weapons, and stores of all ...
/.../chapter iiisargon of assyria 722-705.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... incessantly distracted between the two principles, laid wait for ... yet no one ever
ventured to set up in their ... in palaces, or in the centre of cities, on which ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty
... chariots, the draught bullocks, the workshops and the stores. ... offer prayers, "her
supplications arose up before the ... text to designate the country laid out in ...
/.../chapter iiithe eighteenth theban dynasty.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... the body of the old hero preserved in oil in a ... on the death of Cimon, they gave up
the attempt ... to the task of overthrowing the empire, but they laid down their ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm

The Political Constitution of Egypt
... Not that he ever quite laid aside his grandeur; even in ... for drawing it out; a notice
posted up outside, often ... sat for the purpose of receiving the stores or of ...
/.../chapter ithe political constitution of.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... Tilli,* Kharranu, and in all the small fortified towns and ... solicitude; but owing
to the breaking up of the ... the year of an inundation which laid waste Umliyash ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

The Memphite Empire
... generally used as food, which with dates, milk, oil, coarse bread ... The body was not
laid out its whole length on ... at hand a supply of them in its stores, and they ...
/.../chapter iithe memphite empire.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... seeing an infant born in a stable, and laid in a ... leaving my cat upon the ground,
I looked up to heaven ... it come into his bowels like water, and like oil into his ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm