A Green Olive Tree

Psalm 52:8 (ESV) But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God. I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever.

I love when a little digging into the Bible can yield tremendous results. 

To many, the idea of being a green olive tree is not that spectacular but in Ancient Israel, this was one of the most valuable and beneficial trees to mankind. I did a quick search in Bible dictionary and it told me about this amazing tree. Consider the following facts as it relates to those who trust in the Lord in the house of God...

  • The fruit is eaten raw and a ready source of valuable nutrients.
  • 1/3 of the fruit is made of the valuable olive oil used for anointing and healing (see James 5:16) and lighting lamps.
  • The trunk and limbs are used to make the finest of cabinetwork.
  • The tree grows very slowly but it attains to a great age.
  • It is difficult to kill the olive tree by cutting it down, new sprouts are sent up from the root... often forming a grove of two to five trunks all from a single original tree.

What promises for those who trust in God!

  • You are valuable, a source of spiritual nutrition.
  • You are anointed (1 John 2:20 (ESV) But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge.)
  • You are usable for fine things. (2 Timothy 2:21 (ESV) Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.).
  • Christian growth may be slow - but it leads to long life (Psalm 91:16 (ESV) With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.)
  • Life may try to knock you down and take you out, but God's purpose and predestined work will prevail. When you look cut off, keep believing and see the multiplication of God in your life.

This is the beauty of God's Word. Simple symbols declare the wonderful purpose and plan He has for His people. 

So the last line of Psalm 52 reminds us who has done this for us:

Psalm 52:9 (ESV) I will thank you forever, because you have done it. I will wait for your name, for it is good, in the presence of the godly.

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