The Olive Tree Mystery: Native or Wild? 1

 Baruch Hashem!

Did I keep you waiting too long? Well, the wait is finally over! I hope this post finds you all doing well and feeling happy. Let’s dive right in, shall we? 

So, why is the Olive Tree such a powerful symbol of Israel? Why not a different nation India, China, the USA, or Australia? And why does the Bible repeatedly focus on Israel? What sets this tiny nation and its people apart in the grand narrative of history and Scripture? These are not just questions but an invitation to discover the deeper truths woven into the story of Israel. Today, we’ll embark on a journey to uncover the profound connection between Israel and the Olive Tree, exploring its spiritual, historical, and prophetic significance.

Jumping into the timeless significance of Olive Tree, throughout the Bible, the Olive Tree and its products wood, oil, leaves appear repeatedly, each time carrying deep symbolic and practical meanings. More than just a plant, the olive tree represents blessings, resilience, and Abba’s divine favor.

Take Olive oil, for example it wasn’t merely a household staple in ancient times but it was used to anoint kings, priests, and sacred objects. This act symbolized the presence of the Holy Spirit and Abba’s anointing, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:13, where Samuel anoints David as king. The flowing oil was a tangible sign of Abba’s presence, setting apart the chosen for a divine purpose.

But the significance of the Olive Tree goes beyond symbolism it’s rooted in its very nature. Scientifically, Olive Trees are a marvel of resilience. They are hardy plants, capable of thriving in challenging environments where other species fail. Even after being cut down, they have the extraordinary ability to regenerate, sending out new shoots and continuing to bear fruit. 

With that foundation laid, it’s clear why the Olive Tree is so special and frequently mentioned in the Bible. But now, let’s shift our focus to something even more fascinating: Why is the Olive Tree so deeply connected to Israel? 

City of David overlooking the Mount of Olives

ISRAEL! 

What is Israel, and who are the Israelites?

The story of Israel and its people begins with an unexpected twist, a love story that unknowingly laid the foundation for a nation. The beautiful tale of Jacob (Yakov) and Rachel (Rahael) is where it all began.

Ok now picture this: Yakov, a young man on the run, arrives in Haran and sees Rahael by the well tending to her flock. In that instant, it’s as though time stops. He’s smitten, completely, utterly. So much so that he agrees to work for her father, Laban, for seven years to win her hand. “So Yakov served seven years to get Rahael, but they seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her” (Genesis 29:20) 

Ah, Yakov, we understand that’s what true love does to a person! But just as he reaches the finish line, there’s a twist. Laban deceives him, and instead of Rahael, Yakov is married to her sister, Leah. Heartbroken but undeterred, he works another seven years for Rahael( the woman he knew was his- Abba ordained partner).  Fourteen years in total! 

Woah, that’s a long time, wasn’t it? But when Abba orchestrates a love story, the patience it requires only strengthens the bond. Yakov’s unwavering dedication is a picture of how love can endure when it is rooted in divine purpose. What makes this story even more remarkable is Rahael’s role. She, too, waited. She endured the trials, the seasons of uncertainty, and the pain of separation, all while trusting in Abba’s plan. Her patience and trust in Yakov’s love didn’t waver. Together, their love grew deeper, stronger, and richer with every passing year.

This story reminds us that when Abba allows something beautiful to unfold, it’s always worth the wait. The trials and delays are not obstacles but stepping stones to something even greater than we can imagine. Yakov and Rahael’s love is a powerful reminder that true love doesn’t just survive the storms but it flourishes because of them.

When you know it’s sent from Abba, patience becomes a joy, and love grows despite the challenges. And when the time finally comes, the ending is always beautiful. Just like Yakov and Rahael, we can trust that Abba’s plans for us will lead to something extraordinary because Abba your timing is perfect, and your love never fails.

Yakov meeting Rahael for the first time by the well

Their love and perseverance bore fruit, not just in their own lives but for generations to come. From Yakov and Rahael’s lineage came the 12 tribes of Israel, the foundation of the nation that we know today as Israel. A nation born not only out of divine covenant but also from a love story of resilience, patience, and unwavering faith.

Isn’t it amazing how a moment by a flock of sheep led to the birth of the world’s strongest nations? Yakov and Rahael’s love wasn’t just a personal story it became part of Abba’s grander plan for generations.

Coming back to the question: Why is the Olive Tree so deeply connected to Israel? 

To understand this connection, we turn to Scripture, In Exodus 27:20, Abba commands, “And you shall command the children of Israel that they bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to cause the lamp to burn continually.” This instruction was specific! only pure Olive oil could keep the sacred lamp burning before the altar. The continuous light from this oil symbolized Abba’s unending presence among His people, an offering that could only be accepted with the purity and essence derived from the olive.

Now consider Matthew 5:14-16, where Yeshua Abba says, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Who was Yeshua Abba speaking to? The Israelites. Who, then, are called the light of the world. The Israelites, chosen to shine the light of truth, wisdom, and divine revelation to all nations.

Here lies the unshakable connection, the light of the lampstand in the Tabernacle fed by pure olive oil is a powerful metaphor for Israel’s role as the light of the world. Just as the lamp had to burn continuously, so too must Israel’s light shine unceasingly, illuminating the path for others to glorify Abba. 

What’s even more remarkable is the resilience of the Olive Tree itself. Even when the tree is cut down entirely, its roots remain alive, and it grows back stronger, defying the odds. This mirrors the enduring spirit of the Israelites. After the devastation of the Holocaust during the Second World War, when it seemed as though they had been wiped out, Abba’s promises held true. A remnant was raised, and the nation of Israel was restored, a living testimony of Abba’s faithfulness and their unyielding spirit.

Today, Israel stands tall, much like the Olive Tree, firmly rooted and thriving against all odds.Their light continues to shine, unwavering, a beacon to the nations and a reminder that Abba’s plans cannot be thwarted.  Woohoo, Baruch Hashem!

Part II coming out soon. Until then stay happy and stay blessed. 

All praises and glory to Abba alone. Toda Abba