A Luxuriant Olive Tree in the House of God

Greasing with Oil

The Scriptures make both literal and figurative references to the use of olive oil. In ancient times, wounds and bruises were  'softened with oil' to promote the healing process.  (Isaiah 1:6) According to one of Jesus' illustrations, the neighborly Samaritan poured olive oil and wine on the wounds of the man he encountered on the road to Jericho. -Luke 10:34. 

Applying olive oil to one's head is refreshing and soothing.  (Psalm 141:5) And in handling cases of spiritual sickness, Christian elders may 'grease a member of the congregation with oil in the name of Jehovah.' (James 5:14) The elders' loving Scriptural counsel and heartfelt prayers in behalf of their spiritually sick  fellow believer are compared to soothing olive oil. Interestingly , in idiomatic Hebrew a good man is sometimes described as "pure olive oil."

Next time: A Luxuriant Olive Tree in God's House"

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000