The olive tree was the most valuable tree for the Hebrews. In Hebrew “olive tree” means tree of oil. It means, “fruitful”, “richness”, “oil”, “to be prominent.” There is mystery hidden behind olive tree and olive oil, than anybody can imagine.
The first time the olive tree was mentioned in the Old Testament, it was when the dove returned to the Noah’s ark carrying an olive branch in its peak, as a symbol of peace. Since then the olive branch symbolizes “peace.”
The seal of the United States of America pictures a branch with thirteen leaves and thirteen olives. The number thirteen is, because United States started with thirteen colonies and the Anglo-Saxons, who are descended from the thirteenth tribe of Israel, which is the tribe of Ephraim, the youngest (“thirteenth”) son of the Patriarch Joseph. When the Israelites conquered the land of Canaan, the olive tree was the most prominent tree of the land. The olive oil was the most important source of revenue for the Israelites.
All the daily sacrifices were accompanied with olive oil. Offerings of lambs and goats and flour mixed with olive oil were made to God. In the ceremonies of sanctification in addition to the unblemished animals (young bulls and lambs and goats), unleavened bread and cakes, mixed with olive oil were used (Exodus 29:1-2).
God told Moses to anoint his brother Aaron with the anointing oil, which was extra virgin olive oil and spices (exodus 30:23-25). The Tabernacle, the Lampstand (Menorah), the Altar, the Table of Showbread, the Laver and everything around it, were anointed with the same anointing oil.
God also told Moses, to ask The Israelites to bring him olive from the olives, for the lambs, to burn continually.
Olive oil was used for the cleansing ceremony of the leper, symbolizing the return of honor to the healed, and the restoration of his life.
When David was chosen to become king of Israel, God ordered the prophet Samuel to “Fill your horn with oil, and go; I am sending you to Jesse, the Bethlehemite. For I have provided Myself a king among his sons” (I Sam.16:1). Then David, took the oil from Samuel and anointed himself. From that moment forward the Spirit of God came upon David. (I Sam.16:13). God said, “I have found My servant David; with My holy oil, I have anointed him” (Psalm 89:20). David bathed and anointed himself, before he entered the house of God to pray.
Out of olive wood, were made the two Cherubim (the Arch-Angels) of God inside the Temple of Solomon.
The “tree of life” in the Garden of Eden was the olive tree (I Sam.16:13). In the Apocalypse of Moses, when Adam got sick, the angel Michael told Seth to anoint him with the “oil of Mercy” and bring him back to health.
In the book of James is revealed, when someone is sick, the elders of the church should pray for him and he should be anointed with olive oil in the name of the Lord, for his health to be restored. Oil therefore, is a type of the Holy Spirit – as are water and wind (John 7:37-39).
The olive tree is associated with royalty, because Kings were anointed. In Hebrew anointed means “Messiah.” The son of David, the true Messiah, is called “His Anointed” and in Greek means “Christ.”