2 Kings 4:1-7
A certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha, saying: “Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that your servant feared the Lord. And the creditor is coming to take my two sons to be his slaves.”

2: So Elisha said to her: “What shall I do for you? Tell me, what do you have in the house?” And she said, “your maidservant has nothing in the house, but a jar of oil.”

3: Then he said: “Go, borrow vessels from everywhere, from all your neighbours—empty vessels; do not gather just a few.

4: And when you have come in, you shall shut the door behind you and your sons; then pour it into all those vessels, and set aside the full ones.”

5: So she went from him and shut the door behind her and her sons, who brought the vessels to her; and she poured it out.

6: Now, it came to pass, when the vessels were full that she said to her son, “bring me another vessel.” And he said to her, “There is not another vessel.” So the oil ceased.

7: Then she came and told the man of God. And he said: “Go, sell the oil and pay your debt; and you and your sons live on the rest.”

Life grants us opportunities daily; what we do with those opportunities count before God and man. People will remember us based on what we have given and not what we have taken. Life only celebrates the seed sown not the seed harvested. The story of the widow of the prophet is a resonating and provoking lesson to cultivating a positive approach to life, rather than resigning to fate.

The Importance Of Oil to a Jewish Woman
The story read above speaks of the widow and the only thing she was left with as “oil.” The most important oil to the Jews according to Bible history is the olive oil. Olive oil has held deep cultural, spiritual and practical importance in Jewish tradition, and for women in particular; it carried symbolic and everyday significance.

The olive oil has been central to Israeli cuisine, culture and agriculture for thousands of years. Israel is home to ancient olive groves, and modern producers continue to refine the craft. Often treating olive oil like fine wine—valued for its flavour notes, body, and aroma. Boutique brands and family-owned farms across the country produce award-winning oils that are recognised internationally.

Why Olive Oil Dominates In Israel
• Historical roots: Olive trees are deeply tied to Jewish tradition and biblical references.

• Health benefits: Rich in antioxidants, vitamins and healthy fats, olive oil is principal in the Mediterranean diet.

• Culinary use: It’s the go-to oil for cooking, salads, dips (like hummus) and dressings.

• Cultural symbolism: Olive oil represents peace, prosperity and spiritual light in Jewish tradition.

The Roles Oil Play In The Daily Life Of Israelites
1. Religious and Ritual Importance
• Anointing and Consecration: Oil was used to anoint priests, kings and sacred objects, symbolising holiness and divine presence. Women played roles in preparing and using oil for ritual purposes, especially in family and community contexts.

• Burial Traditions: Women were often the ones who prepared anointing oils and spices for burial rites. For example, Mary Magdalene and other women went to anoint Yeshua’s body after Shabbat, showing their role in preserving sacred customs.

2. Domestic and Symbolic Role
• Lighting Sabbath’s Lamp: In Jewish homes, women traditionally light the Shabbat candles, often using oil lamps in ancient times. This act symbolises bringing peace, light and sanctity into the household.

• Hospitality and Care: Oil was used for cooking, grooming and healing. Women managed these aspects of daily life, making oil central to nurturing and sustaining family and guests.

3. Symbolic and Meanings
• Metaphor for Torah and Wisdom writings: Oil is described in Midrash as illuminating like the Torah, with its fragrance symbolising good deeds and spiritual beauty. Women, often associated with maintaining the home’s spiritual light, embodied this symbolism.

• Blessing and Abundance: Oil represented prosperity and divine blessing. A woman’s use of oil in her household was seen as a way of channelling abundance and sanctity into daily life.

Other oils like sunflower oil are also used, but olive oil remains the most iconic and widely consumed in Israel.

A Great Deal
For Jewish women, oil was not just a household staple. It was a medium through which they expressed faith, nurtured family and upheld tradition. Whether through lighting lamps, preparing anointing oils or using it in food and care. Oil symbolised their role as preservers of light, holiness and continuity in Jewish life.

• Venerable Stephen Wolemonwu is the Rector, Ibru Ecumenical Centre, Agbarha-Otor, Delta State (08035413812)