The possession of Olive orchards was understood to be a sign of wealth in biblical times (Deuteronomy 6:11, Nehemiah 9:25). This was partly because an Olive tree does not begin bearing fruit until it is about fifteen years of age, but then may remain fruitful for hundreds of years. As the tree becomes older, the inner trunk deteriorates and new shoots spring up on its exterior. The prophet Isaiah alludes to this when he prophesies about the Messiah, who would spring up from the house of David. Because of the long-life and fruitfulness of the Olive tree, its wood is considered very precious, and though unfruitful branches are sometimes trimmed, a tree itself is not cut down until it has ceased to be fruitful.
The Olive tree is the most revered and most often cited of all trees in Scripture. In Judges 9, Jotham tells the story of the trees of Israel desiring a ruler, and seeking to anoint the Olive tree as their king. It speaks, then, of prosperity, promise and fulfillment (Psalm 128:3), and serves as a reminder of God’s plan of salvation through the ages and His love extended to all.
