Article December 6, 1958 Issue

THE VALUE OF OIL

AMY DAVISON WILBUR

The Bible contains scores of references to oil. A study of these passages reveals that oil was used in ancient days for some of the same purposes for which we now use it. From early times it was used for anointing. The books of Exodus and Leviticus include instructions for the anointing of the priests.

Later we read of the anointing of Saul, David, and Solomon, the first kings of the Israelites. Undoubtedly all their subsequent kings received the same rite. This custom has persisted in the coronation of royalty down to the present time.

In "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," Mary Baker Eddy gives the spiritual meaning of "oil" as "consecration; charity; gentleness; prayer; heavenly inspiration" (p. 592). We realize that the spiritual concept of oil as consecration is not confined to certain chosen individuals. In Revelation we read that Christ "hath made us kings and priests unto God" (Rev. 1:6). As a king, we have God-derived dominion; and as a priest, we commune directly with God and in reality see ourselves made in God's image and likeness.

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