The Oil of Anointing / April 2006

The olive tree and its fruit are an incredible part of God’s creation. The olive tree can withstand incredible damage and still remain alive. In fact, an olive tree can be completely cut off at the base of the ground and still spring up with new branches. The key to the life of the olive tree is its durable root system. Olive trees are indeterminate plants, lasting as long as they continue to receive nourishment. "Sun, stone, drought, silence and solitude: these are the five ingredients that, according to Italian folk traditions, create the ideal habitat for the olive tree." The olive tree pictured on the cover of this article is hundreds of years old, growing in Israel on the mount of olives. Its gnarled trunk testifies to past struggles with heat and cold. The swirls in the bark tell the history of how it has been twisted by the wind and harvested by men. It is the ideal tree for a land with warm dry summers and rainy winters, the climate around the Mediterranean. Today, Italy and Spain are the most prolific producers. There are more than 30 different types of olive trees in the Mediterranean. In recent years, California vineyards have begun to develop olive orchards. They even have an expression for it that compares the maintenance of grapevines to the stamina of the olive tree, "Blend grapes for your kids and olives for your grandkids."

The fruit of the olive tree is a major reason why the tree is cultivated and honored by mankind. It is greatly sought after. Olives are a most excellent fruit for a variety of reasons. Whether green or ripe, the olive complements any table of food. Nutritionists tell us that it is one of the most healthy foods you can eat. In particular, olive oil is the most sought out commodity from it. La Cucina Italiana reports that extra virgin (the first press) olive oil is the most digestible of the edible fats: it helps to assimilate vitamins A, D and K; it contains so-called essential acids that cannot be produced by our own bodies; it slows down the aging process; and it helps bile, liver and intestinal functions. Italy is the greatest consumer of all nations for olive oil, actually needing to import olive oil. In ancient Greece, Homer called it "Liquid Gold." In Hellenistic times a man could be condemned to death for cutting down an olive tree. In the land of Israel, King Solomon and King David placed great importance on the cultivation of olive trees; King David even had guards watching over the olive groves and warehouses, ensuring the safety of the trees and their precious oil. Early medicine used olive oil as the base for many ointments and salves mixed with other herbs. Thomas Jefferson of United States history said, "The olive tree is surely the richest gift of Heaven." To this day, an olive branch is the universal symbol of an offer of peace. The Olive wreath is the symbol of an Olympic Champion. From ancient man to modern man, the olive tree holds special value for a multitude of reasons.

The first press of the olive is the most sought out. However, the first press is not the only press of the oil. Successive presses yield olive oil for cooking, medicinal supplements, fuel for lamps, and finally soap. There are at least three presses of the olive and up to five depending on the press technique. There are three harvests for an olive tree each year and there are three grades of olives in each harvest producing nine grades of olives. The upper most branches, those closest to the sunlight, are the most desirable. These olives are followed by those in the middle of the tree and finally the lowest branches. The vitality of the olive is dependent upon its access to sunlight just like other fruits. Olive oil testers (and yes there are such persons) measure three qualities of a sample of olive oil. First, they look at the color and smell the fruitiness. Next they sense the bitterness in the mouth and finally the peppery "bite" in the back of the throat. They grade the oil on these factors.

Commercially, olives are graded by the type and how they were pressed to produce the oil. Olive oil labeled "Extra Virgin Cold Pressed" is the very best. Some of those oil products are pure for its type or a blend of several types. However, it is the first press with no heat applied that receives the title "cold pressed." "Extra Virgin" oil is the first press but the processor may have used a hot water process to melt oil out of the olive paste (mash). "Virgin" olive oil is generally a secondary or third press taking more time. Finally, "100% Olive Oil" on the label is the lowest grade of olive oil. "Lite Olive Oil" is the label for the color and has nothing to do with the grade level. "Lampante Oil" is not consumed at all; it is the final grade of olive oil used for fuel and industrial applications.

In ancient times, olives were gathered for harvest by spreading a large cloth under the tree, then the branches were shaken violently or sometimes struck with a staff. Once the olive had fallen, the cloth was gathered into a bag to transport the olives. The Torah specifically forbids the harvester of the olive trees from going over the trees multiple times. He could work the tree but once he left, he was not to go back in an effort to glean every bit of the fruit. That which was left was for others.

When you beat your olive tree, you shall not go over the boughs again; it shall be for the alien, for the orphan, and for the widow.

Deuteronomy 24:20

The harvested olives were hand selected to a smaller bag with a loose weave, similar to our burlap bags of today. This coarse weave bag was crushed by hand, beating of fists, and stomping of feet to collect the very first part of the olive oil. This was the oil commanded for use as the fuel for the Menorah and temple anointing oil. After that initial process, these bags would then be piled together in a confined area only to have large stones and weight put upon them for further "crushing." The bottom of the crushing chambers would have spouts and a place to collect the oil. This oil was for food, medicine, and lamps of the home. Finally, the olive mash would then be emptied out of the bags into a circular trough with a large wheel stone to crush everything, including the pits themselves. This device was usually powered by an oxen or donkey. Other methods included large vats that would house the oil paste for days mixed with water. The oil would "float" to the top and then be skimmed off. This was the oil for soap.

The olive tree and its fruit is one of the most powerful symbols referred to in the Bible. The tree itself seems to stand as a symbol of the children of Israel themselves. An olive tree can be cut off at the ground and yet survive because of the root. That comparison is readily made of Israel and the root is likened to God’s promises. In fact, the national crest of modern Israel is based on the prophecy of Zechariah with his vision of the two olive trees.

And he said to me, "What do you see?" And I said, "I see, and behold, a lampstand all of gold with its bowl on the top of it, and its seven lamps on it with seven spouts belonging to each of the lamps which are on the top of it; also two olive trees by it, one on the right side of the bowl and the other on its left side."

Zechariah 4:2-3

Zechariah’s prophecy pictured in the symbol of modern Israel today. But it is also a part of the future prophecy of the Great Tribulation. Zechariah asks for the meaning; the book of Revelation answers.

Then I answered and said to him, "What are these two olive trees on the right of the lampstand and on its left?"

Zechariah 4:11

These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before the Lord of the earth.

Revelation 11:4

Revelation’s answer addresses the role of the two witnesses who will stand either side of the altar and prophecy for 1260 days during the Great Tribulation.

The dove that returned to Noah had a fresh olive branch in its beak. Noah saw this as the symbol of the Earth’s return to life following the flood.

And the dove came to him toward evening; and behold, in her beak was a freshly picked olive leaf. So Noah knew that the water was abated from the earth.

Genesis 8:11

Special emphasis is given to the anointing of Aaron, the first High Priest of Israel after the order of Levi. His anointing by the olive oil was the pinnacle of the ordination ceremony.

It is like the precious oil upon the head, coming down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard, coming down upon the edge of his robes.

Psalms 133:2

The first press of the olive is the oil spoken of in the Bible for fuel in the Menorah and the recipe for anointing oil. This was the oil from the hand crushing.

And you shall charge the sons of Israel, that they bring you clear oil of beaten olives for the light, to make a lamp burn continually.

Exodus 27:20

Instead of the priests setting up an oil press operation for the needs of the temple, each of the sons of Israel was commanded to bring a portion of their first oil to be oil used in the temple service. This particular oil of the olive is known to burn the brightest in a lamp. The priests however were instructed to make the recipe for the anointing oil, a mixture of several ingredients using the olive oil

Take also for yourself the finest of spices: of flowing myrrh five hundred shekels, and of fragrant cinnamon half as much, two hundred and fifty, and of fragrant cane two hundred and fifty, and of cassia five hundred, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, and of olive oil a hin. And you shall make of these a holy anointing oil, a perfume mixture, the work of a perfumer; it shall be a holy anointing oil.

Exodus 30:23-25

The anointing oil was sweet and fragrant. We don’t know exactly how much of these substances (essential oils) were in the actual blend except by cost proportion, but a hin of oil was approximately one and half gallons of oil. It is estimated that this recipe would have made approximately 2 gallons of anointing oil.

But there is one application of the olive tree and oil that stands out most in all the Bible’s applications. It is the manifestation of the Messiah.

The Hebrew word "Meshiach" is the basis of the title for the Messiah. It literally means "The Anointed One." The Biblical instruction and understanding of "anointing" surpasses all other forms of designation and title. When someone is anointed, both the process and the result are above all other expressions of appointment or title. Therefore, it is the highest form of designation and destined purpose. Kings and priests were all anointed to their tasks.

The simple olive tree and its olive testify in the natural to supernatural aspects of the Messiah. Consider these simple comparisons. The Messiah was prophesied to be an olive branch springing out of the root of an older olive tree. It was the root of Jesse, the Bethlehemite, the father of King David that was first mentioned.

Then a shoot will spring from the stem of Jesse, and a branch from his roots will bear fruit. And the Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and strength, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. And He will delight in the fear of the Lord, and He will not judge by what His eyes see, nor make a decision by what His ears hear; but with righteousness He will judge the poor, and decide with fairness for the afflicted of the earth; and He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, and with the breath of His lips He will slay the wicked. Also righteousness will be the belt about His loins, and faithfulness the belt about His waist.

Isaiah 11:1-5

This shoot springing from the root of Jesse is none other than the Messiah, the son of David. The symbolism of the Messiah with the Seven Spirits of God not only is description of His anointing, but it matches the pattern of the Menorah with the olive oil as its fuel for light. The truth is that the Messiah leads men out of darkness into the light of God just as the Menorah illuminates the night. The prophecy goes further to say that the Messiah (the sprout from the ancient olive tree) will establish His kingdom.

And the wolf will dwell with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the kid, and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little boy will lead them. Also the cow and the bear will graze; their young will lie down together; and the lion will eat straw like the ox. And the nursing child will play by the hole of the cobra, and the weaned child will put his hand on the viper’s den. They will not hurt or destroy in all My holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. Then it will come about in that day that the nations will resort to the root of Jesse, who will stand as a signal for the peoples; and His resting place will be glorious.

Isaiah 11:6-10

The prophet Jeremiah offers a similar description of the Messiah but emphasizes the origins from Jesse’s son, David. And instead of a sprout, he describes Him as a "Branch."

"Behold, the days are coming," declares the Lord, "When I shall raise up for David a righteous Branch; and He will reign as king and act wisely and do justice and righteousness in the land. In His days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely; and this is His name by which He will be called, ‘The Lord our righteousness.’"

Jeremiah 23:5-6

The picture of the olive tree with its resilient sprout springing up from the root is a wonderful word picture of the Messiah. Judaism and Christianity share this same understanding about the Messiah. It is a powerful picture of the Messiah associated both with the olive tree and its fruit – the olive oil. However, this is where Judaism and the Christianity also separate from one another. According to the prophecy that follows both by Isaiah and Jeremiah the Messiah does something that has not yet happened!

Because this has not yet happened, Judaism rejects the claims of Yeshua the Messiah, and what is worse, Christianity dismisses the prophecy altogether. What is this incredible prophecy yet to occur?

"Therefore behold, the days are coming," declares the Lord, "when they will no longer say, ‘As the Lord lives, who brought up the sons of Israel from the land of Egypt,’ but,’As the Lord lives, who brought up and led back the descendants of the household of Israel from the north land and from all the countries where I had driven them.’ Then they will live on their own soil."

Jeremiah 23:7-8

This is actually a repeated prophecy by Jeremiah. Earlier Jeremiah explained how the Messiah would accomplish this.

"Therefore behold, days are coming," declares the Lord, "when it will no longer be said, ‘As the Lord lives, who brought up the sons of Israel out of the land of Egypt,’ but, ‘As the Lord lives, who brought up the sons of Israel from the land of the north and from all the countries where He had banished them.’ For I will restore them to their own land which I gave to their fathers." "Behold, I am going to send for many fishermen," declares the Lord, "and they will fish for them; and afterwards I shall send for many hunters, and they will hunt them from every mountain and every hill, and from the clefts of the rocks."

Jeremiah 16:14-16

The Messiah (the Anointed One) is to gather the scattered of Israel from all the nations where they have been scattered (all of the nations of the world) and like a shepherd (like Moses) to bring them back to the promised land. To accomplish this, He will dispatch "fishermen" to fish for them among the many peoples, tribes, and tongues. Isaiah said it this way.

Then it will happen on that day that the Lord will again recover the second time with His hand the remnant of His people, who will remain, from Assyria, Egypt, Pathros, Cush, Elam, Shinar, Hamath, and from the islands of the sea. And He will lift up a standard for the nations, and will assemble the banished ones of Israel, and will gather the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth. Then the jealousy of Ephraim will depart, and those who harass Judah will be cut off; Ephraim will not be jealous of Judah, and Judah will not harass Ephraim.

Isaiah 11:11-13

As I said before, Judaism is still looking for this prophecy to be fulfilled by the Messiah. They are correct in this understanding; it is still a future element that the Messiah will do. But it is not a proper justification to reject the Messiahship of Yeshua of Nazareth. Christianity for the most part ignores this prophecy completely or at best spiritualizes it into nothingness. Many Messianic Jewish brethren, while claiming to be part of the Jewish community and heritage, surprisingly prefer Christian church theology on this part. The conflict between Judah and Ephraim still exists today in the controversy of the "Two-House teaching." The final work of the Messiah is not Redemption; it is the Restoration of the Two Houses of Israel and gathering the scattered from the nations.

To accomplish this another part of the olive tree is used: the broken branches. Olive trees are shaken violently to break the fruit loose from the branches. Frequently, these branches break. Therefore, those who tend the olive orchard graft the broken branches. This produces, amazingly, stronger trees and better fruit. The prophets of Israel prophesied of how Israel would be broken for unbelief and disobedience (failing to produce fruit unto the Lord). The scattering of Israel in the nations is part of the picture of the branches being broken away from the original tree. But the Apostle Paul taught that those who hear the message of redemption are grafted into the tree. He compared Israel to the "natural branches" and others as the "wild branches." Paul used this word picture to exhort others to avoid judging the Jews and Israel in their unbelief.

But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them and became partaker with them of the rich root of the olive tree, do not be arrogant toward the branches; but if you are arrogant, remember that it is not you who supports the root, but the root supports you. You will say then, "Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in." Quite right, they were broken off for their unbelief, but you stand by your faith. Do not be conceited, but fear; for if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will He spare you. Behold then the kindness and severity of God; to those who fell, severity, but to you, God’s kindness, if you continue in His kindness; otherwise you also will be cut off. And they also, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in; for God is able to graft them in again. For if you were cut off from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and were grafted contrary to nature into a cultivated olive tree, how much more shall these who are the natural branches be grafted into their own olive tree?

Romans 11:17-24

This business of grafting in branches, the picture of olive branches being repaired, is a very powerful word picture for the whole kingdom of God. The fact is that we are all broken branches – Jews, Gentiles, everyone. No one comes to God who isn’t broken. We are all grafted in. Paul goes further reviewing the prophecy still yet to be completed by the Messiah.

For I do not want you, brethren, to be uninformed of this mystery, lest you be wise in your own estimation, that a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in; and thus all Israel will be saved; just as it is written, "The Deliverer will come from Zion, He will remove ungodliness from Jacob."

Romans 11:25

Paul quotes the prophet Isaiah who has much to say about the Messiah and Zion.

"And a Redeemer will come to Zion, and to those who turn from transgression in Jacob," declares the Lord.

Isaiah 59:20

For out of Jerusalem shall go forth a remnant, and out of Mount Zion survivors. The zeal of the Lord of hosts shall perform this.

Isaiah 37:32

There are also references in the Psalms to this same message of the Messiah (salvation and deliverance) with Zion.

Oh, that the salvation of Israel would come out of Zion! When the Lord restores His captive people, Jacob will rejoice, Israel will be glad.

Psalms 14:7

Oh, that the salvation of Israel would come out of Zion! When God restores His captive people, Let Jacob rejoice, let Israel be glad.

Psalms 53:6

(A Song of Ascents.)

When the Lord brought back the captive ones of Zion, We were like those who dream.

Psalms 126:1

Most of the brethren do not see the word picture of the broken branches being grafted into the olive tree when Paul cites the "Deliverer coming out of Zion." Primarily because they do not know what "Zion" means in the Bible. The modern definition of "Zion" is about modern Israel, the Jewish people and a national land and home for them. It is a movement called Zionism. But the Biblical definition has to do with grafting trees. Once a graft is made the branch and the tree are bound together to provide temporary strength. Usually a tape or long stretch of cloth is wrapped around the splicing point joint. After three days the tree fibers begin to bind together, nourishment from the root and trunk begin to make their way into the branch. This particular joint can then be referred to as "Zion." The very grafting of broken olive branches into the olive tree is the very meaning of "Zion."

The scientific term used for the branch that is grafted is called a scion pronounced "Zion."

Is it any wonder that the Messiah taught of the final days to the disciples from the Mount of Olives? It is also noteworthy that when the Messiah did the great work of redemption for us that He went across the Kidron to the Mount of Olives to a garden called Gethsemane. There He prayed, waited, and agonized for what was coming. Gethsemane means the "olive press." It is where the olives were first pressed that were harvested from the Mount of Olives. It is where the life of Yeshua was first pressed. The oil of anointing and "Anointed One" converged there.

I hold to the opinion that Yeshua was crucified on the Mount of Olives, the same place the altar is set "in the clean place" for the red heifer and Yom Kippur sacrifices. Furthermore, I believe that the execution stake and the cross beam that Yeshua was slain on was an olive tree and olive wood. Olive wood was never used as fuel on the altar, but it was used extensively in the temple proper. The temple of Solomon used olive wood for the doors in particular.

And for the entrance of the inner sanctuary he made doors of olive wood, the lintel and five-sided doorposts. So he made two doors of olive wood, and he carved on them carvings of cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers, and overlaid them with gold; and he spread the gold on the cherubim and on the palm trees. So also he made for the entrance of the nave four-sided doorposts of olive wood.

I Kings 6:31-33

As you can see, olive trees and olive oil is an important commodity in the world. It is also a powerful practical symbol of our faith in God. The oil of olive is used for anointing, the fuel for the Menorah’s light, medicine, food, and for soap. The Messiah is the Anointed One, the light in our darkness, the healing for our lives, the eternal nourishment for our souls, and the soap that cleans us up. To this day the ancient wisdom and understanding of the olive is still with us. Very little has been changed in the word picture from then. Of all the proverbs I have ever heard about olives and olive oil, this is my favorite.

When a man has fellowship with another, they sit at a table and break bread together. This is called table fellowship. However, if the fellowship is between the best of friends, they sit at the table, break bread and eat olives.

The grape vine produces a fine fruit yielding its fruit to bless the Lord. The fig tree produces a very sweet fruit and a shady cover from the Sun’s heat. But the olive tree and its oil anoints men to their destiny. And God Himself uses it as the definition for the Messiah (the Anointed One).

I’m looking forward to the day when we can sit with the Lord, break bread together and eat olives grown in His kingdom.

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