Metaphysical meaning of Olivet (mbd)
Olivet, ol'-;-vet (fr. Heb.)--Mount of Olives; height yielding illuminating oil; high luminous principle; shining mount; exalted enlightenment.
A mountain, or ridge of hills, near Jerusalem, to the east of the city. The ascension of Jesus Christ took place there (Acts 1:12; see also Zechariah 14:4). Jesus often went to the Mount of Olives (Matt. 21:1; 24:3; 26:30; John 8:1). David went up the Mount of Olives when he was fleeing from Absalom; it seems that this mount was a place where "he was wont to worship God" (II Sam. 15:30, 32, see margin). "The mountain which is on the east side of the city" (Ezek. 11:23) refers to the Mount of Olives.
Meta. The exalting of divine wisdom and love in consciousness (Mount of Olives, height yielding illuminating oil, high luminous principle).
A mountain always signifies an exalted state of mind, a high place in consciousness, while olives and olive trees signify the Spirit of love (the Mount of Olives was so named because of the many olive trees that grew on it), and illumination bespeaks light, understanding. Olive oil is symbolical of the Holy Spirit; also of peace and love. The "dove" returned to Noah in the ark with an olive leaf in her mouth (Gen. 8:11). In Psalms 52:8 David (love) said, "I am like a green olive-tree in the house of God: I trust in the lovingkindness of God for ever and ever.” In Romans 11:17 we read of "the fatness of the olive tree," and it is a well-known fact that love is a great attracter of substance, of true riches. The "beauty" of the olive tree is mentioned in Hosea 14:6; love is a great beautifier. The two witnesses of Revelation 11 are said to be "the two olive trees and the two candlesticks, standing before the Lord of the earth," or in other words, love and wisdom.
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Following Entry: Olympas
