A Luxuriant Olive Tree in the House of God

A Luxuriant Olive Tree in God's House"

In view of the foregoing points, it is not surprising that servants of God can be likened to olive trees. David desired to be like "a luxuriant olive tree in God's house." (Psalm 52:8) Just as Israelite families often had olive trees surrounding their houses, so David wished to be close to Jehovah and to produce fruit to God's praise. -Psalm 52:9.

While faithful to Jehovah, the two-tribe kingdom of Judah was like "a luxuriant  olive tree," pretty with fruit and in form."  (Jeremiah 11:15, 16)  But the people of Judah lost that privileged position when 'they refused to obey Jehovah's words and walked after other gods.' -Jeremiah 11:10. 

To become a luxuriant tree in God's house, we must obey Jehovah and be willing to accept the discipline by which he "prunes" us so that we can bear more Christian fruitage.  (Hebrews 12:5, 6) Moreover, just as a natural olive tree needs extensive roots to receive a period of drought, we need to fortify our spiritual roots in order to endure trials and persecution. -Matthew 13:21; Colossians 2:6, 7. 

The olive tree well symbolizes the faithful Christian, who may be unknown to the world but is recognized by God. If such a person should die in this system, he will live again in the new world to come. -2 Corinthians 6:9; 2 Peter 3:13.

The practically indestructible olive tree that keeps on bearing fruit year after year remind us of God's promise:  "Like the days of a tree will the days of my people be; and the work of their own hands my chosen ones will use to the full." (Isaiah 65:22)  That prophetic promise will be fulfilled  in God's new world! -2 Peter 3:13. 

Next time: Building Faith by Bible Study in India

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000