The Olive Tree

The olive tree is native to the Mediterranean Sea region where it has been cultivated since ancient times. Growing to heights ranging from 10 to 40 feet (3 to 12 meters), the fruit was used as food and as a source of lamp oil. Commercial production continues today on a large scale in many countries around the world.

Olive trees, and places related to them, were involved in numerous events of Bible History -

A dove from the ark brought an olive leaf to Noah after The Flood (Genesis 8:11).

Olive oil was used to fuel the Menorah in The Tabernacle In The Wilderness (Leviticus 24:1-2), and later in the Temple in Jerusalem.

When the Israelites entered The Promised Land upon completion of their 40-year Wilderness Journey after the Exodus, there were established olive groves awaiting them (Deuteronomy 6:11).

Jesus Christ was arrested on The Mount Of Olives that Fateful Night, and He ascended into Heaven from there after His Resurrection from The Tomb.

The apostle Paul (see On The Road To Damascus) used the pruning and grafting of olive trees as analogies for the rejection of Israelites who reject Him, and of the acceptance of Gentiles into the church (Romans 11:11-24)

Olive trees, and places related to them, are also referred to in important events of Bible Prophecy -

The Two Witnesses are spoken of as the symbolic "two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand before The Lord of the earth." (Revelation 11:4)

The greatest event of all history will occur on The Mount Of Olives - The Return Of Jesus Christ.

Fact Finder: Did Solomon use olive wood for some of the doors inside the original Temple of God?
1 Kings 6:31-33

Bible History Index | Daily Bible Study Home Page

Daily Bible Study
Copyright Information
Contact the Author or Web Site Administrator