It's more than just a source of delicious oil; it's a metaphor for the Jewish people themselves. Let’s dive into a fascinating passage from Shemot Rabbah 36 and unpack its rich layers of meaning.
The verse that kicks things off is from Exodus 27:20: “And you shall command the children of Israel, and they shall bring you pure olive oil, pressed for illumination, to kindle a lamp continually.” But what’s the connection between olive oil and the people of Israel? The text leads us to a verse in Jeremiah 11:16: “The Lord called your name a flourishing olive tree, fair of fruit and form.”
Now, the Midrash asks a pretty direct question: Why only an olive tree? Weren't the Israelites compared to other impressive trees as well? We find them likened to grapevines in Psalm 80:9, fig trees in Hosea 9:10, date palms in Song of Songs 7:8, and cedars in Psalms 92:13. And don't forget the nut garden mentioned in Song of Songs 6:11! The text even references Song of Songs 4:13-14, which compares Israel to an orchard bursting with pomegranates, henna, saffron, and a whole host of other fragrant delights. So why single out the olive?
The answer, according to Shemot Rabbah, lies in the unique process required to extract olive oil. Just think about it: the olive is picked, beaten, taken to the press, ground, and squeezed under immense pressure. Only then does it yield its precious oil. Similarly, the text argues, the people of Israel are beaten and oppressed, scattered from place to place, and subjected to hardship. But through it all, they remain resilient, and ultimately, their suffering leads to repentance and redemption. As it says in Exodus 2:23, "The children of Israel sighed due to the bondage, and they cried out, and their plea came up to God.” Deuteronomy 4:30-31 echoes this idea: “When you are in distress, and all these matters befall you…you will return to the Lord your God, and you will heed His voice, as the Lord your God is a merciful God."
But there's more! The Midrash offers another insightful comparison: Oil doesn't mix with other liquids. It remains distinct. Similarly, Israel is called to remain distinct from other nations, as Deuteronomy 7:3 states: “You shall not intermarry with them.” Furthermore, oil always rises to the top. When the Israelites follow God's will, they rise above the other nations, just as Deuteronomy 28:1 promises: "the Lord your God will place you uppermost over all the nations of the earth."
Then, the text shifts gears, connecting the olive tree to Jerusalem and the Temple. It references Psalm 48:3, "Beautiful in its view, joy of the entire earth, is Mount Zion." The Hebrew word for "beautiful in its view" is nof, which the Midrash connects to the Greek word nymph, meaning "bride." Jerusalem, like a bride, was beautiful in the eyes of all. And the Temple, when it stood, brought joy because it provided atonement for sins. Imagine entering full of iniquities and leaving righteous! What greater joy could there be?
The Midrash contrasts Jerusalem with Tyre, which boasts of its own beauty in Ezekiel 27:3. But while Tyre's claim is self-proclaimed, Jerusalem's beauty is universally acknowledged, as Lamentations 2:15 laments: "Is this the city of which they said it was perfect in beauty?” The Temple, located on Mount Zion, illuminated the world, just as Isaiah 60:3 prophesies: "Nations will walk by your light."
So, the olive tree isn't just a symbol of resilience and distinctiveness; it's also a symbol of Jerusalem's beauty, the Temple's light, and the enduring faith of the Jewish people. That’s why God commanded Moses that the Israelites bring pure olive oil: because they, like the olive, are meant to illuminate the world.
What does this mean for us today? Perhaps it's a reminder that even in the face of adversity, we can draw strength from our tradition, maintain our distinct identity, and strive to be a light to the world. Just like the olive, we have the potential to yield something precious, even after being pressed.