In one of his many psalms, David compared himself to an olive tree:
“I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever” (Psalm 52:8).
If you’re like me you’re wondering: Why does David identify himself as this particular tree? Is there something special about olive trees?
As a matter of fact, yes.
It may be that, as David composed this psalm, he was contemplating several qualities characteristic of these distinctive trees:
Long Life
Olives are among the longest-living trees, continuing to grow for hundreds of years. In fact, one specimen in Algarve, Portugal is 2000 years old, according to carbon dating.
Perhaps their longevity is due to adaptability. They can grow in various conditions—on terraced hillsides or in valleys, in rocky soil or rich, fertile loam. But even in hot climates with little rainfall the olive can grow quite contentedly.
Not only is it adaptable, the olive tree is tenacious. If it is cut down, shoots from the roots will develop, and the tree will miraculously regenerate itself.
Far-Reaching Root Systems
Because they grow for centuries, and spread their branches wide, the root system of an olive tree can be quite massive, expanding twenty feet in every direction around the trunk.
Fruitfulness
Even dwarf olive trees will produce 20-40 pounds of fruit each year. The largest variety can produce a ton of olives annually! The oil pressed from the fruit is also useful for cooking, for fuel in oil lamps, and even for skin care products.
No doubt you already see parallels to a life rooted and established in God:
- The olive tree is almost eternal; David knew that one day he would “dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Psalm 23:6).
- The massive root system brings to mind the qualities of stability and perseverance, and the habit of abiding (John 15). An anonymous psalmist expanded the word picture for us when he wrote: “And he shall be like a tree firmly planted [and tended] by the streams of water, ready to bring forth its fruit in its season; its leaf also shall not fade or wither; and everything he does shall prosper [and come to maturity]” (Psalm 1:3, AMP). In other words, a person seeking after God is so well-rooted in Him, nothing can destroy his spirit.
- The fruitfulness of the olive tree reminds us of the fruitfulness of the Spirit-led life (Galatians 5:22-23). As a person grows deep in her knowledge of God and in relationship with God, she becomes more loving, joyful, peaceful, and so on. Not all at once, however. It is a growing process, after all.
And so, an expansion of David’s metaphor in Psalm 52 might read:
I am like an olive tree,
Content to bloom where the Gardener plants me,
Flourishing and thriving even,
In the gracious presence of my God–
Immortal through faith,
Grounded in Him,
Growing toward maturity
As I trust
In His unfailing love,
His protection and provision,
His guidance, and grace–
Forever and ever.
We praise you, Heavenly Father, for what you have done (Psalm 52:9a)!
(Photo credit: www.home-hunts.net.)
From the Inside Out 
And olive trees are evergreens…
We can add that to our list of characteristics. Brings to mind Jeremiah 17:8, doesn’t it. “They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” Thank you, Bette, for your addition!
I love this, Nancy. I didn’t know most of that about the olive tree. Your expanded metaphor is absolutely beautiful. I’ve read it through four times, and it seems richer with each reading. Lovely, lovely post!
Thank you, Rebeca. Your encouragement means much!
wow , never noticed before he does say olive tree. I just heard this past weekend a comment about if they are cut down being able to regenerate themselves. fascinating. In five weeks we will be visiting the Holy Lands and will be in the garden of Gethseme, surrounded by olive tries that they say are 2000 years old. I will think of your post at this visit.
If you have not visited Israel before, Jean, be prepared to absorb volumes of fascinating info and a profusion of incredible blessings! We were also told on our pilgrimage that those olive trees were 2000 years old. If they aren’t, they look like they could be! I will be honored to have my post in your thoughts when you visit the Garden.
I really like this Nancy. Recently God has been showing me similar things about eucalyptus trees, which makes sense since I’m Australian. Just about anywhere you look there will be some kind of eucalypt. My blog Flourish! is based on Psalm 1:3 so it’s particularly significant to me. I’m glad to have found your blog. Blessings, Ann.
Thank you, Ann. I’ll have to visit your blog, since we both appreciate trees!
I love the expansion of David’s metaphor that you expertly crafted. I had never given much thought as to the many references and the significance of the Olive Tree in the Bible. Thanks for opening my eyes. This is a must-share!
Thank you, Cheri. I, too, never gave much thought to the significance of olive trees. Isn’t it wonderful that there are always new discoveries to be made in God’s Word?