Oils in the Bible 

In Genesis 1:11, at the beginning of creation, we learn that on the third day, God created plants. This set the foundation for life even before humans were created. God thoughtfully prepared the earth to sustain us even before we existed. Plants play a vital role in our lives, offering nourishment, healing, and sustenance. As echoed in Ezekiel 47:12: “Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing”. Throughout the Bible, essential oils make frequent appearances in various forms such as perfumes, incense, sweet odours, and balms. In ancient times they did not produce synthetic fragrances as we do today, the perfumes and balms mentioned in the Bible had to be extracted from nature directly. Myrrh is one of the first aromatic substances to be mentioned in the Bible – the camels of the Ishmaelites were loaded with spices, balm, and myrrh, and they were on their way to take them down to Egypt (Genesis 37). These natural extracts were highly valued in ancient times for their fragrance and medicinal properties.

Then God said, “Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees on the earth bearing fruit according to their kind with seed in them”; and it was so.

The Oils that Plants Produce
There are two kinds of oils produced by plants: essential oils and seed oils. Essential oils circulate through a plant, moving through cell walls and serving various life-preserving functions due to their ability to penetrate down to the cellular level. These oils transport nutrition and information to the plant and carry waste products out, ensuring the plant’s health and vitality. In contrast, seed oils are composed of larger molecules that remain stationary within the seeds. These oils are not used by the plant during its life cycle but are crucial for the next generation. When a plant’s seed begins to sprout, it relies on the stored seed oil for nourishment until it can establish a root and stem system capable of photosynthesis to produce its own food. These seed oils, commonly known as vegetable oils, are pressed out for human use but lack the healing properties of essential oils. Unlike essential oils, seed oils cannot penetrate the skin or address issues at a cellular level. Essential oils are effective against bacteria and the fact that they work on a cellular level is wonderful because that’s where all diseases begin and that’s where it has to be resolved.

Instruments of Healing
It is evident that people in ancient times knew that oils were instruments of healing. The parable of the Good Samaritan illustrates this beautifully. A traveller was left half dead after being attacked by robbers. We see that the Samaritan was the only one that helped him. As it is written: “He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine”(Luke 10:34). The Samaritan not only offered physical care by pouring oil on the wounds but we also see that he also had compassion and mercy. This act of kindness exemplifies the Biblical mandate to love our neighbours as ourselves and extends to us an invitation to emulate the Samaritan’s example in our own lives. Additionally, we see the disciples anointing the sick with oil and praying for their restoration (Mark 6:13). Through this act of anointing, the disciples not only expressed their faith in God’s healing power but also demonstrated deep compassion for those suffering around them. Through the application of oil, they offered comfort, hope, and the assurance of God’s presence in the midst of illness and affliction. Jesus paid the ultimate price for our salvation when He was crucified, His sacrifice holds the promise of victory over illnesses and diseases. In His suffering, we find hope and healing, for it is written that “by His stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). As we use the oils and lift our prayers to the heavens, we embrace the promise of healing and redemption, trusting in the eternal victory secured for us on the cross.

But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.

Ancient Skin Care
The story of Esther provides another example of the significant role of oils in biblical times. Before she could meet the King, Esther underwent twelve months of beauty treatments, as detailed in Esther 2:12: “Each young woman’s turn came to go in to King Ahasuerus after she had completed twelve months’ preparation, according to the regulations for the women, for thus were the days of their preparation apportioned: six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with perfumes and preparations for beautifying women.” This extended period of purification with oils was not merely for physical beautification but also a preparation for her royal role and divine destiny. Ruth 3:3 depicts Naomi instructing Ruth to wash, put on perfume, and anoint herself with oil before approaching Boaz. Cleopatra is also often celebrated for her beauty. While the specifics of her appearance are largely a matter of historical interpretation, it is widely believed that she had a comprehensive beauty routine that contributed to her famed complexion. This likely included the use of various oils and other natural ingredients available at the time. In ancient Egypt, it was common for individuals to wear perfumed fat cones on their heads. These cones were crafted from animal fat mixed with aromatic substances such as Myrrh. The primary function of these fat cones was to act as a sunblock and skin moisturizer. As the hot sun caused the fat to melt slowly, the oils and nutrients would be released, trickling down to nourish and hydrate the skin while also providing a pleasant fragrance. This method not only protected the skin from the harsh sun but also ensured continuous moisturization and a soothing scent throughout the day.

Anointing with Oil
Anointing with oil holds a significant place in the Bible. In the Old Testament, we see instances where prophets, priests, and kings were anointed with oil as a sign of their divine calling and authority. For example, Samuel anointed Saul as the first king of Israel with oil (1 Samuel 10:1). Similarly, David was anointed by Samuel to become king over Israel, marking the beginning of his reign (1 Samuel 16:13). Aaron and his sons were anointed with oil to consecrate them as priests. In the new Testament, we see that Jesus was anointed in Bethany at the house of Simon the Leper. We read in Matthew 26:7- 12 “a woman came to Him having an alabaster flask of very costly fragrant oil, and she poured it on His head as He sat at the table. But when His disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, Why this waste? For this fragrant oil might have been sold for much and given to the poor. But when Jesus was aware of it, He said to them, Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a good work for Me. For you have the poor with you always, but Me you do not have always. For in pouring this fragrant oil on My body, she did it for My burial”. The disciples anointed many who were sick and healed them (Mark 6:13). Additionally, James encouraged this practice within the early Christian community (James 5:14-15).

It is truly amazing to reflect on how deeply God loved us even before He created us, preparing the earth for our existence. From the creation of plants on the third day, designed to provide nourishment, healing, and sustenance, to the sacred tradition of anointing with oils that symbolize divine calling and restoration. His care and provision are evident. His profound love is woven into the very fabric of creation, affirming our value and purpose in His grand design.