1.
Olive Oil: The symbol of the olive oil is a known symbol of the Holy Spirit, having
been used more frequently in the Bible than the dove and water symbols. The oil
was first used to anoint Aaron and his sons into the Levitical priesthood Exo
29:21. It was used to separate men and things as Holy unto God. Specifically,
the olive oil indicated the Anointing of the Holy Spirit. Olive oil was the oil
of choice among the Jews for this purpose. Why was olive oil the chosen medium?
One point I would like to express is that every detail in the ceremonial
offerings and its methods are prophetically significant. The same applies to
the olive oil. The olive tree is hardy, drought and disease resistant tree very
similar to the acacia tree, which was used to build the Ark of the Covenant,
The Table of Showbread and the Brazen Altar. The oil tree is capable to regeneration
even after its branches and main trunk has been destroyed, thus the olive tree
is a symbol of new life. This is symbolically seen when the dove sent out on
the 8th day brought Noah freshly plucked olive leaves. The number 8
signifies new beginnings in Bible and so the olive branch corresponds in
meaning symbolically. The olive tree is also symbolic of the redeemed Church (Israel
and Gentile) with the Head being Christ, who was crushed, beaten and bruised
paralleling the olive pressing process to procure oil. Mt. Olivet is also
known as the hill of pressing, the same place where Jesus prayed agonizing
whilst blood poured out like sweat upon the earth. Can you see the imagery?
The Anointing oil used was made specifically
as prescribed by God. A total of five ingredients went into its making Exo 30-23-25.
The five being Myrrh, Cinnamon, sweet Calamus, Cassia and Olive oil. The number
Five represents the grace of God. Each of the measurements of these 5
ingredients are multiples of 5! The meaning inferred is that the Anointing is
the grace of God and not of merit. The ministry bestowed upon the vessel is by
the grace of God and therefore must not be taken for granted nor misused. The
oil was also indicative of joy and gladness Ps 45:7, reflected in its inclusion
in the sacrifices where it was used as part of the Temple offerings (Ex
29:40/Lev 7:12/Num 15:4) except the sin (Lev 5:11) and jealousy (Num 5:15)
offerings. It was also used to perpetually light the seven branched lampstand
in the Holy place (Exo 27:20). We will
briefly go through the different olive oil uses that is symbolic of the Holy
Spirit.
a.
Holy unto the Lord: The oil was used to sanctify people and
objects as Holy and separated vessels (man and object) for purpose of serving
God. The key words here is “the purpose of God,” which is the only reason for
sanctification. Unless the person or item has been cleansed it cannot be
inducted into the divine purpose because of the Holy nature of God. The
sanctification process begins once God had made His choice of the said vessel; God
is the only One who decides who or what may be used to minister to Him and it
is for this reason that Jesus said, “You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen
you and ordained you…”Jn 15:16a. Aaron too was chosen by God as the High priest
out of all of Israel Num 17:5-8 and so was King David. Today, everyone who
accepts Jesus as their personal Saviour does so because God has chosen them to
do so according to Rom 8:29-30 and Jn 6:44. Thus He chooses us and separates us
for His service. This is why He calls us to holiness because He is Holy Eph
1:4, 1Pt 1:13-16. Every born again believer is a minister of God, called into
the ministry of reconciliation 2Cor 5:18-19 to preach the good news Mt
28-18-20. Warnings have been issued against those who misuse or disrespect that
which has been made Holy unto God 1Cor 3:17. King Belshazzar, son of King Nebuchadnezzar,
used the Holy Temple vessels to drink vine in the company of his guests Dan
5:3. This defiling act brought the wrath of God upon himself and his kingdom.
History tells us that Babylon fell into the hands of King Cyrus of Persia that
very night. We must remember God’s exclusivity and revere Him thusly. Our lives
are purely by the grace of God and so must be a possession most cherished. Amen
I am always
perplexed at the intricacies of the Old Testament that prophetically reveal the
New Testament. The Old Testament is one of my great loves when it comes to studying
about prophecy. I hope this lesson has been a blessing and I will see you in
our next session when we continue looking into the uses of the Olive oil that
signify the Holy Spirit. Till then God Bless.
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