Oil: Only olive oil seems to have been used among the Hebrews. It was used
for many purposes:1. for anointing the body or the hair
(Exodus 29:7; 2 Samuel 14:2; Psalms 23:5; 92:10)
(Psalms 104:15; Luke 7:46)
2. in some of the offerings
(Exodus 29:40; Leviticus 7:12; Numbers 6:15; 15:4)
3. but was excluded from the sin-offering
(Leviticus 5:11) and the
jealousy-offering
(Numbers 5:15)
4. for burning in lamps
(Exodus 25:6; 27:20; Matthew 25:3)
5. for medicinal purposes
(Isaiah 1:6; Luke 10:34; James 5:14)
6. for anointing the dead
(Matthew 26:12; Luke 23:56)
It was one of the most valuable products of the country
(Deuteronomy 32:13)
(Ezekiel 16:13) and formed an article of extensive commerce with Tyre
(Ezekiel 27:17) The use of it was a sign of gladness
(Psalms 92:10; Isaiah 61:3)
and its omission a token of sorrow
(2 Samuel 14:2; Matthew 6:17) It was very
abundant in Galilee.
(See OLIVE)
