What Do the Two Olive Trees Represent in the Bible?
Introduction: What Do the Two Olive Trees Represent in the Bible?
What do the two olive trees represent in the Bible? This question invites us to explore one of the most intriguing symbols in biblical prophecy. The image of two olive trees first appears in the Old Testament in the vision of the prophet Zechariah and then re-emerges in the New Testament’s Book of Revelation and the Book of Mormon. These olive trees symbolize a profound aspect of Godโs covenant, the roles of the prophets, the children of Israel, and the Messianic promises spanning both the Old and New Testaments and the Book of Mormon.
Throughout scripture, olive trees are connected to peace, provision, and anointing. They serve as symbols of the enduring relationship between God and His people, representing aspects of spiritual life and divine guidance. This article delves into the symbolism of the olive tree in biblical history, explores the prophetic visions of Zechariah and Apostle John, and considers the theological interpretations and practical applications for believers today.
The Olive Tree in Biblical Symbolism
Significance of the Olive Tree
The olive tree is a powerful symbol throughout the Bible, often associated with peace, prosperity, endurance, and Godโs provision. Its importance is evident in both the Old and New Testaments, where it embodies divine blessing and anointing.
In Psalm 52:8, the psalmist compares himself to a โgreen olive treeโ planted in the house of God, flourishing in Godโs presence. The olive treeโs resilience and ability to produce fruit even in harsh climates highlight its symbolism of endurance and strength.
Olive oil, a product of the olive tree, holds significant symbolic weight in the Bible. It was used for anointing kings and priests, symbolizing the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Additionally, olive oil was used in temple rituals, consecrating objects and people as sacred. This divine oil served as a physical representation of Godโs Spirit, marking chosen individuals for holy purposes.
It is no coincidence that olive oil is still used for healing, anointing, and blessings for latter-day saints.
The Olive Tree In The Book of Mormon
In the Book of Mormon, the olive tree carries rich, symbolic meaning that resonates with themes of covenant, redemption, and Godโs relationship with His people. The most notable reference is found in Jacob 5, where Zenos’s allegory of the olive tree provides a profound parable on Godโs covenant people.
This allegory describes a Lord of the vineyard (representing God) who nurtures and prunes his olive trees to preserve them. The olive tree in the Book of Mormon symbolizes Israel and represents how God works to cultivate, redeem, and guide His people through different dispensations.
The allegory of the olive tree begins with the Lord finding a tree that has started to decay, symbolizing the spiritual decline of Israel. Instead of discarding the tree, the Lord prunes and nourishes it, a process representing His commitment to helping His people. The Lord even grafts wild branches into the tree, representing Gentiles or other groups adopted into the covenant.
This act of grafting signifies God’s willingness to extend His blessings beyond Israel to all who accept Him. Through this symbolic narrative, Zenos illustrates how the olive tree symbolizes not only Godโs covenant but also His patience, mercy, and willingness to include all willing hearts in His eternal plan.
In Jacob 5:61โ75, we see Godโs love and perseverance in redeeming His people as He and His servants work to tend the vineyard. The branches represent the different tribes and people of Israel, including the House of Israel and those scattered and lost.
By contrast, the olive tree’s root is unchanging, symbolizing Godโs steadfast covenant and His unending desire to save His people. Even when it appears unproductive, the Lordโs patience with the tree conveys His hope for its revival and fruitfulness, which stands as a metaphor for repentance and spiritual rebirth.
Moreover, the allegory highlights the concept of agency and choice. As the branches are pruned, grafted, and moved, they sometimes flourish, while others wither, representing the varied responses of individuals and groups to Godโs call.
This reminds readers that while God continuously reaches out to His people, individuals must choose to embrace His covenant. The Lord of the vineyard persistently cultivates the natural branches, and in Jacob 5:71, He calls His servants to labor alongside Him in gathering His people.
The Book of Mormon’s use of the olive tree, is a powerful metaphor for Godโs redemptive plan and covenantal love. It emphasizes that, despite periods of spiritual decay or wandering, God is committed to the spiritual health of His people. He prunes, grafts, and works through challenges, always inviting individuals back into the House of Israel. For Latter-day Saints, this story serves as a reminder that all people, natural or adopted branches, are welcome to be part of Godโs olive tree through faithfulness and the gospel of Jesus Christ. The allegory encourages believers to seek spiritual growth, to return to their covenant roots, and to trust in Godโs eternal plan for His vineyard.
The Olive Tree in the Old Testament
The Olive Tree in Hosea
Hosea “14 O Israel, return unto the Lord thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity. 2 Take with you words, and turn to the Lord: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips.3 Asshur shall not save us; we will not ride upon horses: neither will we say any more to the work of our hands, Ye are our gods: for in thee the fatherless findeth mercy.4 I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him. 5 I will be as the dew unto Israel: he shall grow as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon. 6 His branches shall spread, and his beauty shall be as the olive tree, and his smell as Lebanon. 7 They that dwell under his shadow shall return; they shall revive as the corn, and grow as the vine: the scent thereof shall be as the wine of Lebanon.8 Ephraim shall say, What have I to do any more with idols? I have heard him, and observed him: I am like a green fir tree. From me is thy fruit found.9 Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the Lord are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein.”
The Interpretation of the Olive Tree in Hosea
In Hosea 14, the olive tree represents Israelโs restoration and renewal through repentance and a return to God. This chapter, which concludes the Book of Hosea, offers a message of hope and healing, contrasting with much of the preceding chapters that focus on Israel’s rebellion and spiritual unfaithfulness.
Hosea 14 calls Israel to repentance and assures them that God will respond with mercy, healing, and prosperity. In verse 6, God says, “His branches shall spread, and his beauty shall be like the olive tree, and his fragrance like Lebanon” (Hosea 14:6, ESV).
The olive tree here symbolizes beauty, fruitfulness, and resilienceโqualities that God promises to restore to Israel when they turn back to Him. As a symbol, the olive tree was deeply valued in ancient Israel for its longevity, ability to thrive in harsh conditions, and abundant, life-sustaining fruit.
Hosea 14 serves as a metaphor for the blessings that come from a life rooted in God. Just as an olive tree produces rich oil that can be used for anointing, healing, and light, a repentant Israel will become a source of blessing and strength for others.
The olive treeโs branches represent the renewal of Israelโs strength and influence. Just as the branches of a healthy olive tree spread out, so will Israelโs prosperity and beauty extend, making them a light and example to surrounding nations.
The fragrance of Lebanon mentioned alongside the olive tree emphasizes this blessing, as Lebanon was known for its lush cedar forests and aromatic plants, which symbolized beauty and strength.
Hoseaโs use of the olive tree reflects the chapter’s overarching theme: Godโs steadfast love and willingness to restore those who turn to Him. In a broader sense, the olive tree in Hosea 14 is a symbol of covenant restoration, showing that when Godโs people return to Him with humble hearts, He restores them to a place of strength, beauty, and influence, embodying the enduring qualities of the olive tree. This passage reassures believers that even after a period of wandering, Godโs grace can renew, restore, and transform lives.
The Olive Tree in the New Testament
The New Testament frequently references olive trees and olive oil, particularly in the teachings and life of Jesus Christ. The Mount of Olives is a significant location in the Gospels, serving as a place of prayer and prophecy.
It was here that Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane before His crucifixion, submitting to the will of the Father. The symbolism of the Mount of Olives and the Garden of Gethsemane is profound and is discussed below.
The olive tree and the Mount of Olives hold significant symbolic and historical importance in the New Testament, closely tied to Jesus Christโs ministry, teachings, and ultimate sacrifice.
The Mount of Olives as a Place of Prayer and Teaching
The Mount of Olives, located just outside Jerusalem, was a place where Jesus spent time in prayer and teaching. Itโs here that He gave important teachings, including the Olivet Discourse found in Matthew 24-25, where He prophesied about the end times, the destruction of the Temple, and His second coming.
The Mount of Olives symbolizes closeness to God and divine insight. Jesus often withdrew here to pray, showing the Mount of Olives as a place of spiritual preparation and communion with God.
The Garden of Gethsemane and the Olive Tree
At the Garden of Gethsemane, located at the foot of the Mount of Olives, Jesus prayed intensely on the night of His betrayal and arrest (Matthew 26:36-46). He submitted to Godโs will, despite the suffering He knew lay ahead.
This garden’s olive trees symbolize endurance, peace, and sacrifice. The crushing of olives to produce olive oil parallels Jesus’s intense suffering and the anointing and power that would come through His sacrifice.
Symbolism of Olive Oil and Anointing
In the Bible, olive oil is used to anoint kings, priests, and prophets, symbolizing the Holy Spiritโs empowerment. Jesus, often referred to as the Anointed One (Messiah), embodies this role.
His time on the Mount of Olives reflects His identity as the anointed High Priest and King. The Mount of Olives, therefore, holds symbolic meaning as a place where Jesus was spiritually prepared and anointed for His sacrifice on the cross, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy and typology regarding the anointing and sanctification that olive oil represents.
Jesusโ Triumphal Entry and His Return
Jesusโ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9, began at the Mount of Olives (Luke 19:29-44). This moment signified Jesusโs messianic kingship and the hope of peace for the people as crowds hailed Him as the coming king.
In Acts 1:9-12, Jesus ascended to heaven from the Mount of Olives after His resurrection, and it is prophesied in Zechariah 14:4 that He will return to this mountain at His second coming. This makes the Mount of Olives significant in His earthly ministry and future return.
The olive tree and the Mount of Olives in the New Testament embody themes of peace, endurance, anointing, and redemption. They represent both Jesusโs sacrifice and His promise to return, resonating deeply with themes of hope, salvation, and the fulfillment of Godโs covenant with His people.
The Olive Tree in Romans 11
Romans 11:3 – 27. ย “3ย For I speak to you Gentiles, in as much as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:ย 14ย If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.15ย For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?ย 16ย For if the first fruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches.17ย And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert grafted in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree;ย 18ย Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.19ย Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in.20ย Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:ย 21ย For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.22ย Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.ย 23ย And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in: for God is able to graft them in again.ย 24ย For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert grafted contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree?ย 25ย For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.ย 26ย And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: 27ย For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.
In Romans 11, the treeโspecifically, the olive tree symbolizes the covenant relationship between God and His people, illustrating the unity of Israel (the natural branches) and Gentile believers (the wild branches) within Godโs redemptive plan. This olive tree metaphor is central to Paulโs teaching on Godโs sovereignty, grace, and mercy in extending salvation to both Jews and Gentiles.
Paul describes Israel as the original, cultivated olive tree, a people chosen by God from the time of Abraham. The natural branches represent Israel, while the wild branches symbolize Gentile believers who, through faith in Christ, are grafted into this olive tree. By using this imagery, Paul highlights several key ideas:
1. Unity and Inclusion
The olive tree emphasizes how Godโs promises extend to all who believe. Paul explains that Gentile believers are grafted into Israel’s covenant tree, signifying that Godโs salvation plan includes both Jews and Gentiles. Though the Gentiles were once โwildโ or outside the covenant, they are brought into Godโs people by faith in Jesus Christ.
2. Humility and Dependence
Paul warns Gentile believers against arrogance, reminding them that they depend on the โrootโ of the olive tree for spiritual life and growth. The root represents the patriarchs (such as Abraham) and the covenant blessings God established with them. Gentile believers are cautioned to approach their inclusion with humility, recognizing that they stand by faith and are upheld by Godโs grace.
3. Godโs Sovereignty and Mercy
Paul explains that some of the natural branches (Israel) were โbroken offโ due to unbelief, making space for Gentiles to be grafted in. However, he holds that God can graft the original branches (Israel) back in if they turn in faith, showcasing Godโs mercy and power to restore. This illustrates the ongoing opportunity for both groups to find unity in Christ, with Israelโs unbelief serving to open the door wider to Gentiles.
4. Hope for Israelโs Restoration
Paulโs analogy ends with a hopeful outlook for Israel, emphasizing that God has not abandoned His covenant people. He suggests that Israelโs current unbelief isnโt final and that a time will come when many will be grafted back into the olive tree through faith in Christ. This signifies a future restoration for Israel as they accept the Messiah.
In essence, Romans 11โs olive tree symbolizes God’s salvation plan’s inclusive and gracious nature, uniting Jews and Gentiles as โone treeโ rooted in the same promises, with God as the source of life and sustenance. This image encourages all believers to embrace their place in Godโs family with humility, reverence, and gratitude for the depth of His mercy and redemptive power.
Zechariahโs Vision
The Prophet Zechariahโs Vision
Zechariah 4:1-6. “And the angel that talked with me came again, and waked me, as a man that is wakened out of his sleep. 2 And said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top thereof:3 And two olive trees by it, one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof.4 So I answered and spake to the angel that talked with me, saying, What are these, my lord? 5 Then the angel that talked with me answered and said unto me, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord. 6 Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.
In Zechariah 4, the prophet Zechariah receives a vision involving a golden lamp stand and two olive trees. This vision, occurring during the time of King Zerubbabel and the rebuilding of the temple, was a message of encouragement to Godโs people, assuring them of divine empowerment to accomplish their tasks. In this vision, the golden lamp stand represents the light of Godโs presence, while the two olive trees supply golden oil through golden pipes, symbolizing an unending flow of divine grace and power.
The Lord of Hosts speaks to Zechariah, emphasizing that the work will not be accomplished by human might but by the Spirit of God. The golden oil flowing from the trees is the power of the Holy Spirit, which will enable Godโs people to rebuild the House of God. This vision highlights Godโs provision and guidance, assuring His people that He would empower them to fulfill their mission.
In this vision, the two olive trees are often understood to represent Joshua, the high priest, and Zerubbabel the governor, who were instrumental in rebuilding the temple. As leaders, they served as Godโs anointed ones, receiving divine authority to guide the people. These two figures were also seen as foreshadowing the roles of priest and king fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
The anointing of the Holy Spirit conveyed by the golden oil emphasizes the need for divine empowerment to carry out Godโs work. The Word of the Lord to Zechariah, spoken through the angel, reveals that the two olive trees stand as the โtwo anointed onesโ who minister alongside the โLord of the whole earth.โ This imagery provides a foreshadowing of the two witnesses later mentioned in the Book of Revelation, highlighting the enduring nature of Godโs anointed servants.
When Zechariah seeks to understand the vision, the angel reveals that these two figures represent those who โstand by the Lord. This interpretation introduces the concept of the two witnesses in the Book of Revelation, who bear Godโs truth in a world of darkness. By linking the vision to the anointing of the Holy Spirit, the angel underscores the role of Godโs Spirit in empowering His people, whether it be through the rebuilding of the temple or the proclamation of the gospel.
The Two Olive Trees in Revelation
Book of Revelation
Revelation 11:3-12
“3 And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.4 These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth.5 And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed.6 These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.7 And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. 8 And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified. 9 And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves.10 And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.11 And after three days and an half the spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them.12 And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them.”
The vision of the two olive trees reappears in Revelation 11, where Apostle John sees two witnesses prophesying in the holy city. Like Zechariahโs vision, these two witnesses are associated with golden lamp stands, indicating their role in bearing Godโs light. This connection between Zechariah and Johnโs visions suggests that the two olive trees represent Godโs prophetic voice in the world.
The two witnesses in Revelation are tasked with proclaiming Godโs Word, calling people to repentance, and warning of judgment. Their mission takes place in the great city’s streets, symbolizing their public and impactful testimony. These witnesses are conduits of Godโs Spirit, filled with the breath of life and empowered to fulfill their purpose.
The significance of these witnesses standing alongside the golden lamp stands emphasizes their role in bearing the light of the Word. This connection to the golden oil and olive trees suggests that they operate under the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, the two witnesses face martyrdom but are resurrected, highlighting the enduring power of Godโs truth and His Spirit at work within them.
Symbolic Interpretations and Theological Perspectives
Theological Interpretations
Over time, scholars have interpreted the two olive trees in various ways. Some traditional Christian views see the olive trees as representing the prophetic roles of Moses and Elijah or Elijah and Enoch, given their association with prophecy and power. Other interpretations suggest that the olive trees symbolize Israel and the Gentile believers, representing the unity of Godโs people under His covenant.
In Romans 11, Apostle Paulโs metaphor of the natural branches (Israel) and the wild olive shoot (Gentile believers) provides insight into the relationship between Israel and the church. This grafting process signifies the inclusiveness of Godโs plan, where both Jews and Gentiles are joined together as one people, united by faith in Jesus Christ.
Anointing and the Holy Spirit
The olive oil flowing from the two olive trees represents the anointing of the Holy Spirit. In both Zechariahโs vision and Revelation, the olive oil is a source of power and guidance, enabling Godโs people to carry out His work. The golden oil flowing through the golden pipes signifies the unbroken supply of divine empowerment for Godโs people, a theme echoed throughout scripture.
The lamp stand and golden oil further emphasize the role of Godโs Spirit in guiding and empowering His people. This symbolism encourages believers to seek the anointing of the Holy Spirit, enabling them to serve as witnesses and lights in a world of darkness.
What do the two olive trees mean to you? Did we miss something? If so, drop it in the comments below so we can continue growing with one another.
Vanessa Rooney
LDS Mum