Difference between revisions of "Oil"

<p> Its three principal uses among the Hebrew were: </p> <p> '''(1)''' To anoint the body so as to mollify the skin, heal injuries, and strengthen muscles (&nbsp;Psalms 104:15; &nbsp;Psalms 109:18; &nbsp;Psalms 141:5; &nbsp;Isaiah 1:6; &nbsp;Luke 10:34; &nbsp;2 Chronicles 28:15; &nbsp;Mark 6:13; &nbsp;James 5:14) (See [[Anoint]] .) </p> <p> '''(2)''' As we use butter, as food (&nbsp;Numbers 11:8; &nbsp;1 Kings 17:12; &nbsp;1 Chronicles 12:40; &nbsp;Ezekiel 16:13; &nbsp;Ezekiel 16:19; &nbsp;Hosea 2:5). </p> <p> '''(3)''' To burn in lamps (&nbsp;Exodus 25:6; &nbsp;Matthew 25:3). </p> <p> Type of the [[Holy]] Spirit's unction (&nbsp;2 Corinthians 1:21; &nbsp;1 John 2:20; &nbsp;1 John 2:27) and illumination (&nbsp;Zechariah 4:11-12). The supply of grace comes not from a dead reservoir of oil, but through living "olive trees." [[Ordinances]] and ministers are channels, not the grace itself; &nbsp;Zechariah 4:14, "anointed ones," Hebrew sons of oil; &nbsp;Isaiah 5:1, "very fruitful hill," Hebrew "horn of the son of oil." The Lord Jesus has the fullness of grace from the double olive tree of the Holy Spirit, so as to be at once our priest and king; He is the tree, ministers the branches, "emptying the golden oil out of themselves" for the supply of the church and to the glory of the Author of grace. In the sanctuary oil served the three purposes: </p> <p> '''(1)''' anointing the priests and holy things, </p> <p> '''(2)''' as food in the bloodless offerings ( '''''Minchah''''' ), </p> <p> '''(3)''' it kept alive the lights in "the pure candlestick," "the lamp of God" (&nbsp;1 Samuel 3:3) in the holy place. </p> <p> [[Messiah]] is the [[Antitype]] "anointed with the oil of gladness above His fellows" (&nbsp;Hebrews 1:9; &nbsp;Psalms 45:7); not only above us, the adopted members of God's family, but above the angels, partakers with Him, though infinitely His inferiors, in the holiness and joys of heaven. His anointing with "the oil of exulting joy" took place not at His baptism when He began His ministry for us, but at His triumphant completion of His work, at His ascension (&nbsp;Ephesians 4:8; &nbsp;Psalms 68:18), when He obtained the Holy Spirit without measure (&nbsp;John 3:34), to impart to us in measure. The oil of gladness shall be in the fullest sense His "in the day of His espousals, in the day of the gladness of His heart" (&nbsp;Song of Solomon 3:11; &nbsp;Revelation 19:7). Guests were anointed with oil at feasts; so He anoints us, &nbsp;Psalms 23:5. </p> <p> The offering of oil on the altar was the offerer's acknowledgment that all his spiritual gifts were from Jehovah. The "beaten oil" for the sanctuary light was made from olives bruised in a mortar. So Messiah's bruising preceded His pouring out the Spirit on us (&nbsp;Exodus 25:6; &nbsp;Exodus 27:20). The olives were sometimes "trodden" (&nbsp;Micah 6:15), or "pressed" in a "press," making the fats overflow (&nbsp;Joel 2:24; &nbsp;Joel 3:13; &nbsp;Haggai 2:16). The oil was stored in cellars, in cruses (&nbsp;1 Kings 17:14). Solomon supplied Hiram with "20,000 baths of oil" (&nbsp;2 Chronicles 2:10), "20 measures of pure oil" (&nbsp;1 Kings 5:11). Oil was exported to Egypt as the special produce of Palestine (&nbsp;Hosea 12:1). Meat offerings were mingled or anointed with oil (&nbsp;Leviticus 7:10; &nbsp;Leviticus 7:12); but the sin offering and the offering of jealousy were without oil (&nbsp;Leviticus 5:11; &nbsp;Numbers 5:15). The oil indicated" gladness"; its absence sorrow and humiliation (&nbsp;Isaiah 61:3; &nbsp;Joel 2:19; &nbsp;Psalms 45:7). </p>

<p> &nbsp;Leviticus 14:16 (c) This is no doubt a type of the Holy Spirit Himself. </p> <ul> <li> it was to be applied to the ear so that the hearing would be entirely Godward, and for the Word of GOD. </li> <li> it was applied to the thumb for the work of the priest was to be for GOD in the power of the Spirit. </li> <li> it was to be applied to the toe, for his walk was to be with GOD, and before GOD, walking in the Spirit. (See &nbsp;Leviticus 14:28). </li> </ul> <p> &nbsp;Numbers 6:15 (c) In this passage the oil again seems to represent the Holy Spirit actuating the life, filling the soul, and especially the coming of the Spirit upon the Lord [[Jesus Christ]] </p> <p> &nbsp;Deuteronomy 32:13 (b) It is quite evident in this passage that the oil again represents the Holy Spirit given from and by the Lord [[Jesus Christ]]  who is the eternal Rock of ages. </p> <p> &nbsp;Deuteronomy 33:24 (b) This probably represents a smooth, fragrant and delightful walk in the Spirit of GOD by this great man of GOD. An impression would be left behind at each step. So the Spirit-filled man leaves behind him fragrant impressions of his walk with the Lord in the Spirit. </p> <p> &nbsp;2 Kings 4:2 (c) Probably this represents the blessings of GOD which He pours out upon the man or the woman of faith in order that the needs of the life may be met. </p> <p> &nbsp;Job 29:6 (b) This is an indication of the great wealth and opportunity enjoyed by Job when he lived in prosperity and peace. </p> <p> &nbsp;Psalm 23:5 (b) This is emblematic of the blessed experience of the believer in which the Spirit of GOD anoints him for effective service, as a king and as a priest. </p> <p> &nbsp;Psalm 141:5 (a) By this type we understand the sweet, refreshing effect of the kindly counsel of a godly friend. </p> <p> &nbsp;Isaiah 61:3 (b) The joy of heart, the freedom of soul, and the radiance of spirit are compared to oil because of its sweetness, smoothness and value. </p> <p> &nbsp;Matthew 25:4 (b) This probably indicates the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life. </p> <p> &nbsp;Luke 10:34 (c) It may be that the oil represents the kind, sweet comforting words that were spoken, and the wine represents the courage and the new hope brought to the heart of this wounded man. It may be that both of these refer to the healing power and the strengthening power of the Holy Spirit, and (or) the Word of GOD. </p> <p> &nbsp;Hebrews 1:9 (b) This describes the blessed anointing of [[Christ]] to be both Lord and Saviour, High [[Priest]] and King. The King and the Priest were both inducted into office by this anointing from GOD. </p>

<p> '''Oil.''' Of the numerous substances, animal and vegetable, which were known to the ancients as yielding oil, the ''Olive Berry'' is the one of which most frequent mention is made in the Scriptures. </p> <p> '''Gathering.''' - The olive berry was either gathered by hand, or shaken off carefully with a light reed or stick. </p> <p> '''Pressing.''' - In order to make oil, the fruit, was either bruised in a mortar, crushed in a press loaded with wood or stones, ground in a mill, or trodden with the feet. The "beaten" oil of, &nbsp;Exodus 27:20; &nbsp;Exodus 29:40; &nbsp;Leviticus 24:2; &nbsp;Numbers 28:6, was probably made by bruising in a mortar. It was used - </p> <p> (1) ''As Food.'' [[Dried]] wheat, boiled with either butter or oil, but generally the former, is a common dish for all classes in Syria. &nbsp;Exodus 29:2. </p> <p> (2) ''Cosmetic.'' Oil was used by the Jews for anointing the body, for example, after the bath, and giving to the skin and hair a smooth and comely appearance, for example, before an entertainment. </p> <p> (3) ''Funereal.'' The bodies of the dead were anointed with oil. &nbsp;2 Samuel 14:2. </p> <p> (4) ''Medicinal.'' Isaiah alludes to the use of oil in medical treatment. &nbsp;Isaiah 1:6. ''See Also '' &nbsp;Mark 6:13 ''; '' &nbsp;James 6:14 ''.'' </p> <p> (5) ''For Light.'' The oil for "the light" was expressly ordered to be olive oil, beaten. &nbsp;Matthew 25:3. </p> <p> (6) ''Ritual.'' Oil was poured on, or mixed with, the flour or meal used in offerings. &nbsp;Leviticus 8:12. Kings, priests and prophets were anointed with oil or ointment. </p> <p> (7) ''In Offerings.'' As so important a necessary of life, the Jew was required to include oil among his firstfruit offerings. &nbsp;Exodus 22:29; &nbsp;Exodus 23:16; &nbsp;Numbers 18:12. [[Tithes]] of oil were also required. &nbsp;Deuteronomy 12:17. ''See '' [[Olive]] ''.'' </p>

<div> '''1: '''''Ἔλαιον''''' ''' (Strong'S #1637 — Noun Neuter — elaion — el'-ah-yon ) </div> <p> "olive oil," is mentioned over 200 times in the Bible. Different kinds were known in Palestine. The "pure," RV (AV, "beaten"), mentioned in &nbsp;Exodus 27:20; &nbsp;29:40; &nbsp;Leviticus 24:2; &nbsp;Numbers 28:5 (now known as virgin oil), extracted by pressure, without heat, is called "golden" in &nbsp; Zechariah 4:12 . There were also inferior kinds. In the NT the uses mentioned were (a) for lamps, in which the "oil" is a symbol of the Holy Spirit, &nbsp;Matthew 25:3,4,8; (b) as a medicinal agent, for healing, &nbsp;Luke 10:34; (c) for anointing at feasts, &nbsp;Luke 7:46; (d) on festive occasions, &nbsp;Hebrews 1:9 , where the reference is probably to the consecration of kings; (e) as an accompaniment of miraculous power, &nbsp;Mark 6:13 , or of the prayer of faith, &nbsp;James 5:14 . For its general use in commerce, see &nbsp;Luke 16:6; &nbsp;Revelation 6:6; &nbsp;18:13 . </p>

<p> ''''' oil ''''' ( שמן , <i> ''''' shemen ''''' </i> ; ἔλαιον , <i> ''''' élaion ''''' </i> ): </p> <p> 1. Terms </p> <p> 2. Production and Storage </p> <p> 3. Uses </p> <p> (1) As a Commodity of [[Exchange]] </p> <p> (2) As a Cosmetic </p> <p> (3) As a [[Medicine]] </p> <p> (4) As a Food </p> <p> (5) As an Illuminant </p> <p> (6) In [[Religious]] Rites </p> <p> (a) [[Consecration]] </p> <p> (b) [[Offerings]] </p> <p> (c) Burials </p> <p> 4. Figurative Uses </p> <p> <i> ''''' Shemen ''''' </i> , literally, "fat," corresponds to the common Arabic <i> ''''' senin ''''' </i> of similar meaning, although now applied to boiled butter fat. </p> 1. Terms: <p> Another Hebrew word, <i> ''''' zayith ''''' </i> ( <i> ''''' zēth ''''' </i> ), "olive," occurs with <i> ''''' shemen ''''' </i> in several passages (&nbsp; Exodus 27:20; &nbsp;Exodus 30:24; &nbsp;Leviticus 24:2 ). The corresponding Arabic <i> ''''' zeit ''''' </i> , a contraction of <i> ''''' zeitun ''''' </i> , which is the name for the olive tree as well as the fruit, is now applied to oils in general, to distinguish them from solid fats. <i> ''''' Zeit ''''' </i> usually means olive oil, unless some qualifying name indicates another oil. A corresponding use was made of <i> ''''' shemen ''''' </i> , and the oil referred to so many times in the Bible was olive oil (except &nbsp;Esther 2:12 ). Compare this with the Greek ἔλαιον , <i> ''''' élaion ''''' </i> , "oil," a neuter noun from ἐλαία , <i> ''''' elaı́a ''''' </i> , "olive," the origin of the English word "oil." יצהר , <i> ''''' yichār ''''' </i> , literally, "glistening," which occurs less frequently, is used possibly because of the light-giving quality of olive oil, or it may have been used to indicate fresh oil, as the clean, newly pressed oil is bright. משׁח , <i> ''''' meshaḥ ''''' </i> , a Chaldaic word, occurs twice: &nbsp;Ezra 6:9; &nbsp;Ezra 7:22 . ἔλαιον , <i> ''''' élaion ''''' </i> , is the New Testament term. </p> 2. Production and Storage: <p> Olive oil has been obtained, from the earliest times, by pressing the fruit in such a way as to filter out the oil and other liquids from the residue. The Scriptural references correspond so nearly to the methods practiced in Syria up to the present time, and the presses uncovered by excavators at such sites as [[Gezer]] substantiate so well the similarity of these methods, that a description of the oil presses and modes of expression still being employed in Syria will be equally true of those in use in early [[Israelite]] times. </p> <p> The olives to yield the greatest amount of oil are allowed to ripen, although some oil is expressed from the green fruit. As the olive ripens it turns black. The fruit begins to fall from the trees in September, but the main crop is gathered after the first rains in November. The olives which have not fallen naturally or have not been blown off by the storms are beaten from the trees with long poles (compare &nbsp;Deuteronomy 24:20 ). The fruit is gathered from the ground into baskets and carried on the heads of the women, or on donkeys to the houses or oil presses. Those carried to the houses are preserved for eating. Those carried to the presses are piled in heaps until fermentation begins. This breaks down the oil cells and causes a more abundant flow of oil. The fruit thus softened may be trod out with the feet (&nbsp;Micah 6:15 ) - which is now seldom practiced - or crushed in a handmill. Such a mill was uncovered at Gezer beside an oil press. Stone mortars with wooden pestles are also used. Any of these methods crushes the fruit, leaving only the stone unbroken, and yields a purer oil (&nbsp;Exodus 27:20 ). The method now generally practiced of crushing the fruit and kernels with an edgerunner mill probably dates from Roman times. These mills are of crude construction. The stones are cut from native limestone and are turned by horses or mules. Remains of huge stones of this type are found near the old Roman presses in Mt. [[Lebanon]] and other districts. </p> <p> The second step in the preparation of the oil is the expression. In districts where the olives are plentiful and there is no commercial demand for the oil, the householders crush the fruit in a mortar, 1009 the crushed mass with water, and after the solid portions have had time to settle, the pure sweet oil is skimmed from the surface of the water. This method gives a delicious oil, but is wasteful. This is no doubt the beaten oil referred to in connection with religious ceremonials (&nbsp;Exodus 27:20 ). Usually the crushed fruit is spread in portions on mats of reeds or goats' hair, the corners of which are folded over the mass, and the packets thus formed are piled one upon another between upright supports. These supports were formerly two stone columns or the two sections of a split stone cylinder hollowed out within to receive the mats. Large hollow tree trunks are still similarly used in Syria. A flat stone is next placed on top, and then a heavy log is placed on the pile in such a manner that one end can be fitted into a socket made in a wall or rock in close proximity to the pile. This socket becomes the fulcrum of a large lever of the second class. The lever is worked in the same manner as that used in the wine presses (see [[Wine Press]] ). These presses are now being almost wholly superseded by hydraulic presses. The juice which runs from the press, consisting of oil, extractive matter and water, is conducted to vats or run into jars and allowed to stand until the oil separates. The oil is then drawn off from the surface, or the watery fluid and sediment is drawn away through a hole near the bottom of the jar, leaving the oil in the container. (For the construction of the ancient oil presses, see <i> The Excavations of Gezer </i> , by Macalister.) The oil, after standing for some time to allow further sediment to settle, is stored either in huge earthenware jars holding 100 to 200 gallons, or in underground cisterns (compare &nbsp;1 Chronicles 27:28 ) holding a much larger quantity. Some of these cisterns in Beirut hold several tons of oil each (&nbsp;2 Chronicles 11:11; &nbsp;2 Chronicles 32:28; &nbsp;Nehemiah 13:5 , &nbsp;Nehemiah 13:12; &nbsp;Proverbs 21:20 ). In the homes the oil is kept in small earthen jars of various shapes, usually having spouts by which the oil can be easily poured (&nbsp;1 Kings 17:12; &nbsp;2 Kings 4:2 ). In &nbsp;1 Samuel 16:13; &nbsp;1 Kings 1:39 , horns of oil are mentioned. </p> 3. Uses: <p> <b> (1) As a Commodity of Exchange. </b> </p> <p> Olive oil when properly made and stored will keep sweet for years, hence, was a good form of merchandise to hold. Oil is still sometimes given in payment (&nbsp;1 Kings 5:11; &nbsp;Ezekiel 27:17; &nbsp;Hosea 12:1; &nbsp;Luke 16:6; &nbsp;Revelation 18:13 ). </p> <p> <b> (2) As a Cosmetic. </b> </p> <p> From earliest times oil was used as a cosmetic, especially for oiling the limbs and head. Oil used in this way was usually scented (see [[Ointment]] ). Oil is still used in this manner by the Arabs, principally to keep the skin and scalp soft when traveling in dry desert regions where there is no opportunity to bathe. Sesame oil has replaced olive oil to some extent for this purpose. Homer, Pliny and other early writers mention its use for external application. Pliny claimed it was used to protect the body against the cold. Many Biblical references indicate the use of oil as a cosmetic (&nbsp;Exodus 25:6; &nbsp;Deuteronomy 28:40; Rth 3:3; &nbsp;2 Samuel 12:20; &nbsp;2 Samuel 14:2; &nbsp;Esther 2:12; &nbsp;Psalm 23:5; &nbsp;Psalm 92:10; &nbsp;Psalm 104:15; &nbsp;Psalm 141:5; &nbsp;Ezekiel 16:9; &nbsp;Micah 6:15; &nbsp;Luke 7:46 ). </p> <p> <b> (3) As a Medicine. </b> </p> <p> From early [[Egyptian]] literature down to late Arabic medical works, oil is mentioned as a valuable remedy. Many queer prescriptions contain olive oil as one of their ingredients. The good Samaritan used oil mingled with wine to dress the wounds of the man who fell among robbers (&nbsp;Mark 6:13; &nbsp;Luke 10:34 .) </p> <p> <b> (4) As a Food. </b> </p> <p> Olive oil replaces butter to a large extent in the diet of the people of the [[Mediterranean]] countries. In Bible lands food is fried in it, it is added to stews, and is poured over boiled vegetables, such as beans, peas and lentils, and over salads, sour milk, cheese and other foods as a dressing. A cake is prepared from ordinary bread dough which is smeared with oil and sprinkled with herbs before baking (&nbsp;Leviticus 2:4 ). At times of fasting oriental [[Christians]] use only vegetable oils, usually olive oil, for cooking. For Biblical references to the use of oil as food see &nbsp;Numbers 11:8; &nbsp;Deuteronomy 7:13; &nbsp;Deuteronomy 14:23; &nbsp;Deuteronomy 32:13; &nbsp;1 Kings 17:12 , &nbsp;1 Kings 17:14 , &nbsp;1 Kings 17:16; &nbsp;2 Kings 4:2 , &nbsp;2 Kings 4:6 , &nbsp;2 Kings 4:7; &nbsp;1 Chronicles 12:40; &nbsp;2 Chronicles 2:10 , &nbsp;2 Chronicles 2:15; &nbsp;Ezra 3:7; &nbsp;Proverbs 21:17; &nbsp;Ezekiel 16:13 , &nbsp;Ezekiel 16:18; &nbsp;Hosea 2:5 , &nbsp;Hosea 2:8 , &nbsp;Hosea 2:22; &nbsp;Haggai 2:12; &nbsp;Revelation 6:6 . </p> <p> <b> (5) As an Illuminant. </b> </p> <p> Olive oil until recent years was universally used for lighting purposes (see [[Lamp]] ). In Palestine are many homes where a most primitive form of lamp similar to those employed by the [[Israelites]] is still in use. The prejudice in favor of the exclusive use of olive oil for lighting holy places is disappearing. Formerly any other illuminant was forbidden (compare &nbsp;Exodus 25:6; &nbsp;Exodus 27:20; &nbsp;Exodus 35:8 , &nbsp;Exodus 35:14 , &nbsp;Exodus 35:28; &nbsp;Exodus 39:37; &nbsp;Matthew 25:3 , &nbsp;Matthew 25:4 , &nbsp;Matthew 25:8 ). </p> <p> <b> (6) In Religious Rites. </b> </p> (A) Consecration: <p> Consecration of officials or sacred things (&nbsp;Genesis 28:18; &nbsp;Genesis 35:14; &nbsp;Exodus 29:7 , &nbsp;Exodus 29:21 ff; &nbsp; Leviticus 2:1 ff; &nbsp; Numbers 4:9 ff; &nbsp; 1 Samuel 10:1; &nbsp;1 Samuel 16:1 , &nbsp;1 Samuel 16:13; &nbsp;2 Samuel 1:21; &nbsp;1 Kings 1:39; &nbsp;2 Kings 9:1 , &nbsp;2 Kings 9:3 , &nbsp;2 Kings 9:1; &nbsp;Psalm 89:20 ): This was adopted by the early Christians in their ceremonies (&nbsp;James 5:14 ), and is still used in the consecration of crowned rulers and church dignitaries. </p> (B) Offerings: <p> Offerings, votive and otherwise: The custom of making offerings of oil to holy places still survives in oriental religions. One may see burning before the shrines along a [[Syrian]] roadside or in the churches, small lamps whose supply of oil is kept renewed by pious adherents. In Israelite times oil was used in the meal offering, in the consecration offerings, offerings of purification from leprosy, etc. (&nbsp;Exodus 29:2; &nbsp;Exodus 40:9 ff; &nbsp; Leviticus 2:2 ff; &nbsp; Numbers 4:9 ff; &nbsp; Deuteronomy 18:4; &nbsp;1 Chronicles 9:29; &nbsp;2 Chronicles 31:5; &nbsp;Nehemiah 10:37 , &nbsp;Nehemiah 10:39; &nbsp;Nehemiah 13:5 , &nbsp;Nehemiah 13:12; &nbsp;Ezekiel 16:18 , &nbsp;Ezekiel 16:19; 45; 46; &nbsp;Micah 6:7 ). </p> (C) Burials: <p> In connection with the burial of the dead: Egyptian papyri mention this use. In the Old Testament no direct mention is made of the custom. Jesus referred to it in connection with His own burial (&nbsp;Matthew 26:12; &nbsp;Mark 14:3-8; &nbsp;Luke 23:56; &nbsp;John 12:3-8; &nbsp;John 19:40 ). </p> 4. Figurative Uses: <p> [[Abundant]] oil was a figure of general prosperity (&nbsp;Deuteronomy 32:13; &nbsp;Deuteronomy 33:24; &nbsp;2 Kings 18:32; &nbsp;Job 29:6; &nbsp;Joel 2:19 , &nbsp;Joel 2:24 ). [[Languishing]] of the oil indicated general famine (&nbsp;Joel 1:10; &nbsp;Haggai 1:11 ). Joy is described as the oil of joy (&nbsp;Isaiah 61:3 ), or the oil of gladness (&nbsp;Psalm 45:7; &nbsp;Hebrews 1:9 ). Ezekiel prophesies that the rivers shall run like oil, i.e. become viscous (&nbsp;Ezekiel 32:14 ). Words of deceit are softer than oil (&nbsp;Psalm 55:21; &nbsp;Proverbs 5:3 ). [[Cursing]] becomes a habit with the wicked as readily as oil soaks into bones (&nbsp;Psalm 109:18 ). Excessive use of oil indicates wastefulness (&nbsp;Proverbs 21:17 ), while the saving of it is a characteristic of the wise (&nbsp;Proverbs 21:20 ). Oil was carried into Egypt, i.e. a treaty was made with that country (&nbsp;Hosea 12:1 ). </p>