Bible Dictionaries
Oil
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Only olive oil seems to have been used among the Hebrews. It was used for many purposes: for anointing the body or the hair (Exodus 29:7; 2 Samuel 14:2; Psalm 23:5; 92:10; 104:15; Luke 7:46 ); in some of the offerings (Exodus 29:40; Leviticus 7:12; Numbers 6:15; 15:4 ), but was excluded from the sin-offering (Leviticus 5:11 ) and the jealousy-offering (Numbers 5:15 ); for burning in lamps (Exodus 25:6; 27:20; Matthew 25:3 ); for medicinal purposes (Isaiah 1:6; Luke 10:34; James 5:14 ); and 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 (27:17).
The use of it was a sign of gladness (Psalm 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 .)
Copyright Statement
These dictionary topics are from M.G. Easton M.A., D.D., Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Third Edition, published by Thomas Nelson, 1897. Public Domain.
Bibliography Information
Easton, Matthew George. Entry for 'Oil'. Easton's Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/ebd/o/oil.html. 1897.