The Wisdom of Olive Oil

The olive oil used for the Menorah in the Temple had to be of the highest quality, even superior to today's extra virgin olive oil. The Torah instructs the children of Israel "to bring clear olive oil beaten for light, to set up the lamp continually." (Exodus 27:20). This oil came from the first pressing of the olives.

There are many types of olive oil available. It's hard to choose between the concern for health and the need to limit extra expense. Local produce is always preferred, especially if you live in Israel. For those who live in the Diaspora, it is recommended to connect with the Land of Israel by partaking of its produce, especially when it comes to the seven holy species of Israel.

Extra virgin olive oil (כתית מאולה - katit m'uleh) is from the first cold pressing of the olives and is the highest quality of olive oil. Since it is less processed, it has a cloudy look and contains higher levels of antioxidents, particularly vitamin E. Virgin olive oil (כתית - katit) is the next best choice. It, too, is cold-pressed, but is from the second pressing.

The less the olive oil is handled the better quality and health benefits it retains. Most vegetable oils are generally extracted through petroleum-based chemical solvents. They are, therefore, highly refined in order to remove their impurities. Along with the impurities, refining removes taste, color and nutrients. On the other hand, extra virgin olive oil is essentially 'freshly squeezed' olives, with its natural color, taste, nutrients and vitamins.

Producing cold-pressed olive oil today is similar to the ancient method from biblical times. The olives are hand harvested during November and taken to the mill after a day to be crushed into a mash by giant stones weighing several tons. The olive mash is then spread onto thin mats. These mats are placed into a machine press which applies several hundred pounds of pressure. If no heat is applied in the pressing, the oil is 'cold-pressed'. Oil extracted in this way is called 'virgin' olive oil, because it is pure, unrefined and unprocessed. The term virgin olive oil indicates that the oil is extracted 24 - 48 hours after harvest, avoiding heat, light and air during the processing and storage. These precautions protect heat-sensitive phyto-chemicals and help prevent the formation of unhealthy free fatty acids (FFA) that irritate the skin. The amount of FFA present defines the degree of virginity of the oil. The term 'extra virgin olive oil' is used to emphasize that the oil is pressed immediately after harvest.

Due to the purity of the oil from the first pressing of the olives, the extra virgin olive oil was used to light the Menorah in the Temple. The oil from the second press was used for medicine, while the oil from the last press was used for making soap and cosmetics, and fueled lamps in the home.

Olive oil is used symbolically throughout the scriptures. However, in this article I want to focus on how olive oil is used to represent wisdom in the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25).

“Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’ And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour."

Notice that five out of the ten virgins did not take extra oil with them. They did have a reserve of oil in their lamps probably from recent use of the lamp, but their oil was quickly consumed when they lit them to go meet the bridegroom. It is unfortunate that they did not bring an extra supply. Maybe they thought a miracle would happen as it did during the Feast of Dedication, where one day's supply of oil for the Menorah was extended until they could replenish their supply. Miracles are real, but it is foolish to live your life depending on them. Miracles are God's supernatural assistance and extraordinary intervention that surpass man's ability. We should live expectantly that God will perform miracles, but we should also act wisely as much as we are able.

The difference between the miracle of the oil for the Temple Menorah and the oil supply of the foolish virgins is that they could have prepared ahead of time and provided that oil for themselves just as the wise virgins did. The Temple had been desecrated and the vessels of virgin olive oil destroyed by the Seleucids. God intervened because it was beyond the ability of the priests to keep the Menorah lit beyond one day.

A comparable analogy would be preparing to embark on a long trip by filling up your gas tank. That is wise. It would be foolish to leave on a long trip with just 1/4 tank of gas. Surely, you would run out in the middle of your trip. Another traveler would be foolish to give you their gasoline, because then they wouldn't make it either. God does perform "gasoline" miracles when necessary...I have experienced that when unforeseen circumstances were beyond my ability to resolve. But we are not to depend on those miracles. We are to act with wisdom and be prepared to the best of our ability.

Wisdom teaches us to discern when danger is approaching and prepare by hiding from it. (Psalm 22:3) The wise virgins foresaw the need to keep their lamps full of oil and chose not to give their supply to the foolish virgins who did not prepare. This principle can also be applied to acting wisely by preparing for the times that precede the return of our Bridegroom, Yeshua.

There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise, But a foolish man swallows it up. - Proverbs 21:20

Only those who are prepared and ready will go in with the bridegroom to the wedding feast when he arrives.

"Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour."

Olives and Olive Oil Nutritional Facts

Olives are a good source of vitamin A 403 IU (13.5%) per 100 grams.
Olive oil is an excellent source of vitamins E 14.35 mg (95% RDA) and K 60.2 mcg (50% RDA) per 100 grams.
Olive oil is rich in antioxidants that reduce blood LDL (bad cholesterol), while it raises HDL (good cholesterol) and protects the heart by lowering blood pressure.
Studies have indicated that increasing olive oil consumption may protect against strokes.
Several molecular components of olive oil, called phenols, have the potential to protect against cancer, especially of the bowels. Studies further indicate that olive oil is effective in colon cancer prevention.
The antioxidants and other micro-nutrients in olive oil slow down the natural aging process and prevent bone loss and osteoporosis.

The Menorah is the emblem of Israel and symbolizes how the nation of Israel is meant to be a Lamp for the indwelling Presence of God to shine His Light unto the nations. Just as the olive oil fueled the Menorah to illuminate the Temple, Yeshua, the eternal Light, fuels the people of Israel as a beacon to the nations. We should always be prepared to keep this light burning until the bridegroom comes.

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