Symbolism In The Bible

Symbolism in the Bible Symbolism is used all throughout the Bible. Everything in the Bible has a significant meaning and a purpose. Symbolism helps create understanding and depth. It can help make the theme of a story become clearer. Themes alone can sound preachy, and stories alone can sound shallow. Symbolism weaves the two together to create a perfect balance. Symbols are usually used to describe something complex, Jesus used symbols so we could understand his preaching’s. God’s journey with the Israelites is one of the greatest epics ever written. In all good tales symbolism is often used. Both in the old and new testaments three things are often used as symbols; the vine, the olive tree, and the fig tree. These three things come together
Then Noah knew that the water had receded from the earth” (NIV). The early Christians used the dove holding the olive leaf as a symbol of peace. St Augustine wrote in On Christian Doctrine that, "perpetual peace is indicated by the olive branch which the dove brought with it when it returned to the ark” (Dankenbring). The olive branch is usually a symbol of peace or victory and was historically worn by brides and virgins. “Olive oil was used to anoint people and cleanse lepers” (Dankenbring). The olive tree was one of the most valued trees to the ancient Hebrews. “It is said that the tree of life was an olive tree. In the Apocalypse of Moses Adam fell ill and told Seth to get him the oil of mercy to restore his health. The angel Michael stopped Seth and told him the oil will be given to the righteous at the end of the days” (Dankenbring). In this text olive oil was referred to the tree of mercy of which the oil of life flows. I think what Michael is referring to when he says the oil will be given to the righteous is everlasting life that is promised to us. “Olives were also found in the Garden of Gethsemane which literally means the place of the olive press” (Lessons). This makes sense because the pressure Jesus was under it was like being pressed like an olive so much so he cried blood much like how oil begins to come out of the olive. In Romans 11:17 Paul says, “If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root.” He goes on to explain that the olive tree represents the covenants and promises to Israel. They grow from the roots which is God. The branches are the children of Israel and those who turn away from him are broken off. The people that fall off no longer reap the