Only olive oil seems to have been used among the Hebrews. It was used for many purposes: for anointing the body or the hair (Ex. 29:7; 2 Sam. 14:2; Ps. 23:5; 92:10; 104:15; Luke 7:46); in some of the offerings (Ex. 29:40; Lev. 7:12; Num. 6:15; 15:4), but was excluded from the sin-offering (Lev. 5:11) and the jealousy-offering (Num. 5:15); for burning in lamps (Ex. 25:6; 27:20; Matt. 25:3); for medicinal purposes (Isa. 1:6; Luke 10:34; James 5:14); and for anointing the dead (Matt. 26:12; Luke 23:56). It was one of the most valuable products of the country (Deut. 32:13; Ezek. 16:13), and formed an article of extensive commerce with Tyre (27:17). The use of it was a sign of gladness (Ps. 92:10; Isa. 61:3), and its omission a token of sorrow (2 Sam. 14:2; Matt. 6:17). It was very abundant in Galilee. (See [450]OLIVE.) 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. + Gathering,--The olive berry was either gathered by hand or shaken off carefully with a light reed or stick. + 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 (Exodus 27:20; 29:40; Leviticus 24:2; Numbers 28:6) was probably made by bruising in a mortar, It was used-- (1) As food. Dried wheat, boiled with either butter or oil, but generally the former, is a common dish for all classes in Syria. (Exodus 29:2) (2) Cosmetic. Oil was used by the Jews for anointing the body, e.g. after the bath, and giving to the skin and hair a smooth and comely appearance, e.g. before an entertainment. (3) Funereal. The bodies of the dead were anointed with oil. (2 Samuel 14:2) (4) Medicinal. Isaiah alludes to the use of oil in medical treatment. (Isaiah 1:6) see also Mark 6:13; Jame 6:14 (5) For light. The oil for "the light" was expressly ordered to be olive oil, beaten. (Matthew 25:3) (6) Ritual. Oil was poured on or mixed with the flour or meal used in offerings. (Leviticus 8:12) Kings, priests and prophets were anointed with oil or ointment. (7) In offerings. As so important a necessary of life, the Jew was required to include oil among his firstfruit offerings. (Exodus 22:29; 23:16; Numbers 18:12) Tithes of oil were also required. (12:17) [[920]Olive] Given by God -- Ps 104:14,15; Jer 31:12; Joe 2:19,24. Comes form the earth -- Ps 104:14,15; Ho 2:22. Kinds of, mentioned Olive. -- Ex 30:24; Le 24:2. Myrrh. -- Es 2:12. Extracted by presses -- Hag 2:16; Mic 6:15. The poor employed in extracted -- Job 24:11. Canaan abounded in -- De 8:8. Described as Soft. -- Ps 55:21. Smooth. -- Pr 5:3. Penetrating. -- Ps 109:18. Healing. -- Isa 1:6; Lu 10:34. The ointments of the Jews made of perfumes mixed with -- Ex 30:23-25; Joh 12:3. Jews often extravagant in the use of -- Pr 21:17. Was tithable by the law -- De 12:17. First-fruits of, given to God -- De 18:4; 2Ch 31:5; Ne 10:37. Used For food. -- 1Ki 17:12; Eze 16:13. For anointing the person. -- Ps 23:5; 104:15; Lu 7:46. For anointing to offices of trust. -- Ex 29:7; 1Sa 10:1; 1Ki 19:16. For anointing the sick. -- Mr 6:13; Jas 5:14. In God's worship. -- Le 7:10; Nu 15:4-10. In idolatrous worship. -- Ho 2:5,8. For lamps. -- Ex 25:6; 27:20; Mt 25:3. When fresh especially esteemed -- Ps 92:10. Dealing in, a trade -- 2Ki 4:7. Exported -- 1Ki 5:11; Eze 27:17; Ho 12:1. Sold by measure -- 1Ki 5:11; Lu 16:6. Kept in Boxes. -- 2Ki 9:1. Horns. -- 1Ki 1:39. Pots. -- 2Ki 4:2. Cruises. -- 1Ki 17:12. Cellars. -- 1Ch 27:28. Storehouses. -- 2Ch 32:28. Stores of, laid up in fortified cities -- 2Ch 11:11. Failure of, a severe calamity -- Hag 1:11. Miraculous increase of -- 2Ki 4:2-6. Illustrative of The unction of the Holy Spirit. -- Ps 45:7; 89:20; Zec 4:12. The consolation of the gospel. -- Isa 61:3. Kind reproof. -- Ps 141:5.
Oil