Definition: Thou shalt have olive trees throughout all thy coasts, but thou shalt not anoint [thyself] with the oil; for thine olive shall cast [his fruit].

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Deuteronomy 28:40. It’s a pretty powerful and important verse that speaks about God's promises to His people. Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: What it means: This verse is saying that God promises to bless and provide for Israel (the Israelites) with abundant fruit – specifically, olive trees. But there’s a crucial condition attached: they shouldn’t use the oil to adorn themselves. Let's unpack each part: “Thou shalt have olive trees throughout all thy coasts” : This means God will give Israel a vast and widespread harvest of olives. "Throughout all thy coasts" is a big statement – it implies a huge area, perhaps even across the entire world. It’s about a plentiful supply for their needs. “but thou shalt not anoint thyself with the oil” : This is the key part. It means that Israel shouldn't use olive oil to decorate themselves or to show off their wealth. It's about modesty and reverence. What it’s telling us about God: This verse emphasizes that God’s blessings are not just about material abundance (the olives). It’s also about how they use those blessings – a respect for the gifts of God and avoiding vanity or excessive displays. It’s a reminder to be humble and grateful, focusing on serving God rather than seeking personal glory. Symbolic Meaning: Historically, this verse was interpreted as a promise that Israel would become a powerful and prosperous nation, blessed with agricultural abundance. It's a reminder of the importance of prosperity, but also of maintaining a sense of humility and reverence toward God. In short, it’s a blessing and a warning – God promises prosperity for Israel, but he wants them to use their blessings wisely and modestly. --- Do you have any specific questions about this verse that you'd like me to answer? For example: Are you curious about its historical context? Would you like me to explain a particular part in more detail?