From Covenant to Kitchen: The Sacred Story of Israel’s Olive Oil and Honey

July 15, 2025

3 min read

Long before modern borders were drawn, before cities rose and empires fell, the land of Israel was known by something more enduring than maps. It was known by its roots. Olive trees and wildflowers marked the terrain, not only as sources of nourishment but as sacred symbols in the daily life and faith of the people.

Two of the most revered gifts from this land—olive oil and honey—are mentioned repeatedly in the Bible. They were more than food staples. They were signs of promise, provision, and holiness.

When God described the land He was giving to the children of Israel, He chose not to speak of riches or politics, but of flavor and abundance.

“A land of wheat and barley, vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive oil and honey.”
—Deuteronomy 8:8

This wasn’t just a description of agriculture. It was a vision of blessing—one that’s still alive in the land today.

In the ancient world, olive oil was not just a cooking ingredient. It played a central role in the spiritual life of Israel.

It lit the golden Menorah in the Temple, described in Exodus as a “perpetual flame.” It anointed priests, prophets, and kings—from Aaron in the wilderness to David in Bethlehem.

The olive oil produced today in the region of Shilo continues that tradition. Pressed from trees that grow in the very hills where the Tabernacle once stood, it carries a story as rich as its flavor. This oil is smooth, full-bodied, and ideal for everything from finishing a salad to sanctifying a meal. More than just quality, it represents continuity—a living connection to biblical tradition.

Wildflower Honey: Sweetness with Depth

Honey in the Bible is both literal and symbolic. It appears in the story of Samson, dripping from a lion’s carcass, and in the tale of Jonathan, who tasted it from a forest floor. It was brought as tribute to kings and described as the very sweetness of divine wisdom.

“They are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb.”
—Psalm 19:10

The wildflower honey harvested across Israel today is raw and unfiltered, drawn from bees that feed on a diverse array of native blooms. It’s light but complex, with subtle floral notes that shift with the seasons and landscapes. Each jar reflects the natural beauty and spiritual heritage of the land.

A Pairing Rooted in Faith

Together, olive oil and honey offer a symbolic pairing that speaks to the core of Israel’s identity. Olive oil represents strength, sanctity, and the enduring presence of God. Honey represents joy, blessing, and the sweetness of life under His care.

Both were used in Temple service and in the rhythms of family life. Olive oil was used for lighting, cooking, and consecration. Honey was eaten during festivals and special occasions, especially on Rosh Hashanah when apples are dipped in honey to welcome a sweet new year.

“The Lord brought us to this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey.”
—Deuteronomy 26:9

These are not just figures of speech. They are memories that can still be experienced today.

More Than Ingredients

To pour a little olive oil from Shilo into a bowl or stir a spoonful of wildflower honey into tea is to participate in something ancient and ongoing. It’s a way of tasting history, of honoring the land and its story, and of bringing a bit of the sacred into everyday life.

In a time when many products are disconnected from their origins, these two ingredients offer something rare: a direct connection to scripture, to soil, and to soul.

Bringing the Holy Land to Your Table

If you want to experience this connection for yourself, a beautifully curated Olive Oil and Honey Bundle is available. It includes Shilo Blend Premium Olive Oil and Pure Israeli Wildflower Honey—two authentic products that reflect the heart of the biblical landscape.

This bundle makes a meaningful gift, enhances any holiday meal, and brings a unique sense of place and purpose to your own kitchen. Whether you’re preparing a simple dinner or setting the table for Shabbat, these flavors invite you to slow down, savor, and remember.

You can explore the bundle and order it here: Buy the Olive Oil & Honey Bundle

“Taste and see that the Lord is good.”
—Psalm 34:8

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