Look Up Fellowship "And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draws near." Luke 21:28

It never ends -- and I'm loving it! I pray that we're really on to something here and that the Holy Spirit is truly trying to impress upon us the urgency of our times and giving us a 'head's up' about what's imminent.

In light of EVERYTHING presented here in the past few days there's no way I ever thought that something else could come along to add to the narrative to make it any more powerful than it already was. That was until I came across a very poignant story about Israel uprooting Olive Trees; a practice that has been going on for several years now.

Let me just state at the outset that this is not meant to be an Anti-Semitic piece, or that my intention is to stoke the flames of anti-Israeli sentiment. Not at all.

The fact that I should feel the need to point that out is mind-boggling when you think about it. Yet, we know the times we're living in and how the world will soon turn against Israel with an uncompromising and vicious hatred.

This blog explores the possible prophetic symbolism inherent in current events and seeks to communicate such to its readers whenever it can. That's what this is about.

See how this grabs you. Check out this loaded headline I just came across:
Israelis Destroy 14,000 Palestinian Olive Trees In 2009.

This has got to be the epitome of irony, but I'm getting ahead of myself a bit. Take a look at a recent news report on the subject out of the Middle East:

Al Jazeera: Palestinian Olive Trees Unrooted By Israelis



That news broadcast was from the beginning of 2009, or at the beginning of this saga. The story I referenced that was just published in a newspaper documents the saga after a year. So, their bookends in a sense.

Sadly, one man in the video above quotes the Koran. Let's quote the Holy Bible -- what's considered to be some prophetic verses of Scripture -- for our purposes instead:


Genesis 8:11 (KJV) And the dove came in to him in the evening; and, lo, in her mouth [was] an olive leaf pluckt off: so Noah knew that the waters were abated from off the earth.

1 Kings 6:23 (KJV) And within the oracle he made two cherubims [of] olive tree, [each] ten cubits high.

Psalm 52:8 (KJV) But I [am] like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever.

Isaiah 24:13 (KJV) When thus it shall be in the midst of the land among the people, [there shall be] as the shaking of an olive tree, [and] as the gleaning grapes when the vintage is done.

Jeremiah 11:16 (KJV) The LORD called thy name, A green olive tree, fair, [and] of goodly fruit: with the noise of a great tumult he hath kindled fire upon it, and the branches of it are broken.

Hosea 16:6 (KJV) His branches shall spread, and his beauty shall be as the olive tree, and his smell as Lebanon.

Amos 4:9 (KJV) I have smitten you with blasting and mildew: when your gardens and your vineyards and your fig trees and your olive trees increased, the palmerworm devoured [them]: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD.

Habakkuk 3:17 (KJV) Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither [shall] fruit [be] in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and [there shall be] no herd in the stalls:

Haggai 2:19 (KJV) Is the seed yet in the barn? yea, as yet the vine, and the fig tree, and the pomegranate, and the olive tree, hath not brought forth: from this day will I bless [you].

Zechariah 4:3 (KJV) And two olive trees by it, one upon the right [side] of the bowl, and the other upon the left [side] thereof.

Zechariah 4:11 (KJV) Then answered I, and said unto him, What [are] these two olive trees upon the right [side] of the candlestick and upon the left [side] thereof?

Zechariah 4:12 (KJV) And I answered again, and said unto him, What [be these] two olive branches which through the two golden pipes empty the golden [oil] out of themselves?

Revelation 11:4 (KJV) These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth.



Any potentially prophetic symbolism in this news story? I think that's quite obvious, isn't it? Let's take a closer look at this irony of ironies:


> The Olive Tree has been growing in the Holy Land for hundreds of years.

> The Olive Tree has always symbolized the glory, splendor, and the very roots of both Judaism and Christianity. Contrast this story about the Olive Tree being 'uprooted' with the conclusions presented in previous pieces written over the past few days about the possibility of our 'escape' being near.

> The Olive Tree and Olives are mentioned over 30 times in the Bible, in both the New and Old Testaments. It is one of the first plants mentioned in the Bible, and one of the most significant.

> It was an Olive Branch that a dove brought back to Noah to demonstrate that the Flood was over. According to the 'Law of First Mention', this first occurence of the Olive Branch is significant to our recent studies I think in that it's tied to judgement from God.

> The Olive Tree's hard, figured timber was used for special furniture, panelling, and statues (1 Kings 6:23,33), and its oil anointed prophets and kings (Judges 9:8-9).

> The Olive Tree was, with grain and wine, the third great product of the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 7:13).

> The Israelites were promised many things for which they had not laboured, including vineyards and Olive Trees, which they had not planted (Deuteronomy 6:11), thereby implying that Olive cultivation was well established by the Canaanites at the time of the Exodus in the thirteenth century BC. The Promised Land was to be 'a land of olive trees and honey' (Deuteronomy 8:8).

> Undoubtedly, the most famous locality embodying the name of the olive is the Mount of Olives, or Olivet. The hill is a flat-topped ridge with steep rocky sides, up which David and people reluctantly trudged when Absalom tried to seize the throne (2 Samuel 15:30). Jesus frequently retreated there amongst its cool and shady trees, and even stayed there immediately before the Passover (Luke 21:37). After the Last Supper, `He came out, and went, as was His custom, to the Mount of Olives' (Luke 22:39), `and they went to a place which was called Gethsemane' (Mark 14:32) - which means oil-press. Today the traditional site of the garden of Gethsemane is full of ancient olive trees, and it is easy to imagine it as the place of the oil press, to which the fruit was brought from the trees growing around about on the hillside.

> The Mount of Olives is widely thought to have been the place of the ascension of Jesus. We read that the disciples returned to Jerusalem immediately after the ascension 'from the mount called Olivet' (Acts 1:2), although Luke (24:50) records that the disciples were led out by Jesus before the ascension as far as Bethany, which lies just beyond the Mount of Olives. In the Old Testament, Zechariah prophesied the coming day of the Lord.

Zechariah 14:3-4 (KJV) Then shall the LORD go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle. And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south.

> At first reading, the Paul's argument in Romans 11:17-24 about the wild and cultivated Olive appears to be somewhat involved. He likens Israel, God's chosen people, to a cultivated Olive Tree, a symbol of spiritual richness, from which God has broken off some of the branches. In place of Jews He has grafted in faithful Gentiles -- here typified by the formerly useless wild Olives (Gk. agrielaios) to partake of the richness of the cultivated tree (Gk. kallielaios). Paul rightly regards this operation as 'contrary to nature', for one would expect the cultivated Olive to be grafted upon the wild stock; by using this analogy he accentuates the richness of God's grace in the salvation of Gentiles.

> Olive Oil was also used as a medicine to anoint wounds. It was used both internally and externally. Its soothing and protective qualities made it a valuable remedy for gastric disorders, and its qualities as a mild laxative were widely recognized in ancient times. Externally, it was used for bruises and wounds. Isaiah wrote, 'From the sole of the foot even to the head, there is no soundness in it, but wounds and bruises and putrefying sores; they have not been closed or bound up, or soothed with ointment' (Isaiah 1:6). Jesus sent out His disciples to heal the sick and to preach the gospel. 'So they went out and preached that people should repent. And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick, and healed them' (Mark 6:13).

> Likewise, God says of Israel, when they repent of their transgressions of His divine Law, 'I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely, for My anger has turned away from him. I will be like the dew to Israel; he shall grow like the lily, and lengthen his roots like Lebanon. His branches shall spread; his beauty shall be like an olive tree, and his fragrance like Lebanon' (Hosea 14:4-6).

> The children of the righteous are also described as Olive Plants. God declares, 'Blessed is every one who fears the LORD, who walks in His ways. When you eat the labor of your hands, you shall be happy, and it shall be well with you. Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine in the very heart of your house, your children like olive plants all around your table. Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the LORD' (Psalm 128:1-4). Additional confirmation that earlier works this week about the need for our Christian 'walk' to match our Christian 'talk' are all on to something.

> That leads us to 'Grafting Olives' as it's recorded in the Bible. It is most instructive to note that the fruit of the Olive Tree, in its wild state, is both small and worthless. It must be properly tended and cultivated to produce optimum fruit. To become truly prolific, the Olive Tree must be 'grafted', a process by which good stock is made to grow upon a wild shrub. This picture of the grafting of the Olive Tree should make each one of us sit up and take notice -- to consider the severity and justice of God, and also His abundant mercy and goodness. As Paul wrote to the Philippians, 'Therefore, my beloved . . . work out your own salvation with fear and trembling' (Philippians 2:12). 'For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?' (1 Peter 4:17).

> Micah (in Micah 6:15) warned that because the Lord's people had done the works of the house of Ahab they would `tread olives, but not anoint [themselves] with oil', for they would be captives. Small quantities of oil were prepared by beating the olives in a mortar and pestle, or simply with a stone. This is indicated in Exodus (27:20) `And you shall command the people of Israel that they bring to you pure beaten olive for the light, that a lamp may be set up to burn continually'. Oil prepared in this way is said to be particularly pure (Leviticus 24:1-3).

> The anointing of people and objects with Olive Oil has a long history and a sacred significance. We first meet the practice in the Bible when Jacob, after he had seen the vision of a ladder from earth to Heaven, poured oil (Heb. shemen) upon the rock that had been his pillow (Genesis 28:18). Later, in the same place, God spoke to him and Jacob again poured oil on a stone pillar (Genesis 35:14). By this symbolic act he set aside that place, which he called Bethel, as holy. Anointing was presumably a well-established practice even at that early date.

> Later, we see Moses being commanded by God to prepare holy anointing Oil with a fixed composition (see chapter 14) for the anointing of the tent of meeting, the Tabernacle, and all its contents. The furniture and utensils were thereby consecrated 'that they may be most holy; whatever touches them will become holy' (Exodus 30:29), and Aaron and his sons were also anointed 'that they may serve me as priests' (Exodus 30:30). In Leviticus (8:10-11) we find Moses putting this into practice, with the altar itself being anointed seven times. Furthermore, Moses had to warn the people of Israel of its holiness (Exodus 30:36-38).

> Throughout the Old Testament, anointing signifies the holiness of the anointed objects or persons, their separation to God, and also divine authority. From the anointing of the priest it was a simple step to the anointing of the king or of the king-designate. 'They anointed David king over the house of Judah' (2 Samuel 2:4; see also Judges 9:8-9; 1 Kings 1:34); and prophets, such as Elisha (1 Kings 19:16). Jotham's story of the trees (Judges 9:8-15) stresses the role of the Olive Tree in this respect. Personal anointing (Psalm 104:15; Micah 6:15) on the other hand was not symbolic, for in the dry Mediterranean climate the cool, smooth Olive Oil is pleasantly soothing (Isaiah 1:6) for the skin and as a hair-dressing (Psalm 23:5). All these anointings, apart from the personal one, were regarded as acts of God, and of sanctifying significance. For example, when the prophet Samuel poured oil on Saul's head he said: 'Has not the Lord anointed you to be prince over His people Israel?' (1 Samuel 10:1). Anointing with oil is associated with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in both the Old Testament (e.g., 1 Samuel 16:13; Isaiah 61:1), and the New Testament (e.g., Acts 10:38; 1 John 2:20).

> There is an ancient tradition that the 'Tree of Life' in the Garden of Eden was an Olive Tree. According to the Apocalpyse of Moses, an apocryphal Hebrew book, when Adam fell ill Seth went to request the 'oil of mercy' to anoint Adam and restore his health. His entreaty was refused, as it was destined for Adam to die, but the angel Michael told Seth that the Oil would be granted to the righteous at the end of days! In a similar passage in the 'Life of Adam' the Oil is referred to as 'the tree of mercy from which the oil of life flows', and another reference to the 'Tree of Life' in the Garden as an Olive Tree may be found in 4th Edras: "The tree of life shall give them fragrant perfume" (2:12, The Old Testament Pseudepigrapha, p.527). The same concept is preserved in the writings of the early church fathers, in Pseudo-Clement, which refers explicitly to "the oil of the tree of life", which is just stunning when you realize there's a preponderance of evidence to suggest that this is, in fact, the case.

> On the reverse side of the U.S. Dollar Bill, you will find the Great Seal of the United States, which is an eagle clutching an Olive Branch in its right claws, a bunch of arrows in its left. If you count them, there are 13 of each, as well as 13 stars in the symbol above the eagle's head. Why the number 13? Because the U.S. began with 13 colonies, and the Anglo-Saxon people of the United States are mainly descended from the 'thirteenth tribe' of ancient Israel -- the tribe of Ephraim, the youngest ('thirteenth') son of the patriarch Joseph!

> One of the curses of a disobedient nation was, 'You shall sow, but not reap; you shall tread the olives, but not anoint yourselves with oil' (Micah 6:15).


It goes without saying that the Bible has a lot to say about the Olive Tree/Olive Branch/Olive Oil/Olives. Yet, even the secular world views the Olive Tree with reverence too:

Athens 2004 Olympic Torch



The design of the torch is drawn from the Olive Leaf's lines and its harmonious shape. The Olive Tree, one of the most powerful symbols of Greece, has been a sacred tree for Mediterranean nations for thousands of years, as well as the ancient symbol of the Athenian City-State. It is an indelible mark in Greece's mythology and art. The Olive Branch is recognized as a global symbol of peace and freedom.

Interesting juxtaposition here between the Christian's view of the Olive Tree/Olive Branch and the secular world's view of it especially as the planet waits with bated breath to see the end result and likely ramifications following the Copenhagen Summit being attended by the most influential, powerful, and rich right at this very moment.

You know, that being said, we might also want to consider the prophetic implications surrounding Pope Benedict's visit to Israel back in May 2009. Shimon Peres and the Pope both planted an Olive Tree together as a symbol of unity and peace at the Presidential Garden following this prayer by Peres!

Papal Visit To Israel: President Peres Offers Prayer



If we are on to something here, if the Holy Spirit is illuminating the Body of Christ at this precise moment in time in the same way so that we'll take notice and encourage one another, then there's 3 more noteworthy facts about the Olive Tree and the Olive Oil it produces that connects to many of our latest conclusions (even if they are based more on speculation at the moment due to a lack of real world evidence).


THE FIRST...


The Olive Oil was usually extracted from the berries by placing them in a shallow rock cistern and crushing them with a large upright millstone. At times, they were crushed by being pounded by the feet of the harvesters. One of the blessings God gave to the tribe of Asher was the prophecy, "Asher is most blessed of sons; let him be favored by his brothers, and let him dip his foot in oil" (Deuteronomy 33:24). This is typically thought to be referring to Olive Oil. However, many others think it serves a dual purpose and refers to the discovery of oil in Israel in the last days and there's actually a wealth of Biblical evidence to support such a position.

As previously mentioned, one of the conclusions we've reached lately is how the Psalm 83 War could erupt at any moment. If that's true, then we need to recall how 'Breaking The Treasure Code: The Hunt For Israel's Oil' written by father and son team James R. Spillman and Steven M. Spillman directly relates as being likely end result for Israel following a successful defeat of her enemies, the enlargement of her nation by the acquisition of her enemy's lands, and the fulfillment of an ancient prophecy that she will become exceedingly wealthy due to the discovery of massive oil deposits in Israel.


THE SECOND...


Small pottery lamps are commonly found in excavations of ancient sites in Palestine. The early lamps made around the time of the captivity of Israel in Egypt were open bowls with a rim, while the later ones of New Testament times had a central hole into which Olive Oil was poured, and a short spout with another hole for the wick.

In contrast with these lamps, which were for interior illumination, torches were used outside. These consisted of old rags soaked in olive oil just before ignition. According to some authorities, these are wedding torches, which would make the reference to them particularly significant in the Parable of the Wise And Foolish Virgins, the latter having no oil for their unsoaked torches (Matthew 25).


THE THIRD...


As if that weren't exciting enough, let's end with this stimulating fact. During the construction of the Temple, Solomon sent to Hiram of Tyre in each year 20,000 cors (homers) of both wheat and barley, 20,000 baths of wine and the same of Olive Oil (2 Chronicles 2:10).

To give some idea of the vast numbers of Olive Trees that must have been grown in the land at that period, 20,000 baths was equivalent (at 22 liters per bath) to 440,000 liters, which would work out at just over 12ml (4 fluid ounces) daily for each of the 10,000 workers. At an average yield of 1840 ml per tree, we would most likely estimate that this would have been an annual output of 239,130 trees -- a full orchard of Olive Trees properly spaced would be expected to have 48 trees per acre!

Solomon must therefore have dispatched the product of some 4981 acres or 2015 hectares of Olive Groves! Yes, it's based on 'estimates' but does anyone else find the total number of hectares of Olive Groves that total 2015 particularly mind-blowing with all the claims lately about Jesus' return in the year 2015 at the end of Daniel's 70th Week and at the end of the Great Tribulation!?!

Luke 21:28 (KJV) And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draws near.

Buckle your seats belts kids! Keep looking up! Heavenly Father, whether 'right' or 'wrong' about all of this I want to thank You from the bottom of my heart for giving me a heart that desires You so much that it's never satisified when it comes to digesting the spiritual sustenance contained in Your holy Word!

RECOMMENDED READING:
Mystery Of The Olive Tree
The Dove And Olive Branch As A Symbol Of Peace
The Olive Tree In The Cardo