A Green Olive Tree in the House of God

But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God;
I trust in the mercy of God forever and ever.

(Psalm 52:8)

A green olive tree is a wondrous thing, especially in the Bible. It provided food, oil and wood for many uses. Its fruit is edible and very good. The oil provided fuel of lamps, was rubbed on leather shields to prevent cracking, offered healing properties, and most significantly, was used for anointing — even for the anointing of prophets, priests and kings. In the Shepherd Psalm, David says,

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.

(Psalm 23:5)

Here is hospitality in the house of God. It is welcome and refreshment. In another place, it says, “But my horn you have exalted like a wild ox; I have been anointed with fresh oil” (Psalm 92:10). This speaks of the renewal of strength and honor, and describes divinely wrought victory.

In Psalm 128, we find this blessing:

Blessed is the man who fears the LORD,
Who walks in His ways …
Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine
In the very heart of your house,
Your children like olive plants
All around your table.

(Psalm 128:1, 3)

Picture a mature, productive olive tree surround by the little shoots it has sent forth. That is the blessing here.

Now imagine yourself like David, a green olive tree in the house of God. You sit at His table, a shoot sent forth by God to bring blessing into the world. It is a blessing of welcome, refreshment, healing, strength, and anointing. It is a wonderful picture.

This honor have all those who come to the Father through the Lord Jesus Christ, the Anointed One. He is the final prophet, priest and king, chosen and established by God. He IS the blessing. In Him we are truly blessed, and through Him we become a blessing to others.