Page 28 - Discipleship Ministries Student E-Book

The outer garment was called a mantle. It was like a large robe. The closest thing we have to it would be
an overcoat. This mantle would shelter the person from the wind and the rain, and it would also serve as
a blanket at night. This is the outer garment or mantle which Elijah had, and which became the property
of Elisha (see 2 Kings 2:8-13).

Most people in Bible times wore something that resembled sandals. They consisted of a sole made
either of wood or leather which was fastened to the foot by leather thongs or straps. Peter was told to
put his sandals on in Acts 12:8. See also what John the Baptist said in Mark 1:7 (latchet = thongs; shoes =
sandals). Because the people wore sandals, their feet got dirty, and this is why we read in the Bible
about people getting their feet washed (see John 13).

Farming

To understand farming in Palestine, we need to know something about the
climate and seasons of this land. Rain or water is an essential part of
successful farming. It would be very unusual for us to go several months
without any rain at all. But for those living in Palestine, this happens almost
every year. During this dry and hot season (the summer months) there is hardly any rain. During the
other half of the year rain does fall and it is colder. This is the wet season. The following chart shows the
different seasons in relationship to farming in Palestine:

The Olive Tree

Today one of the most valuable things in the world is OIL (not olive oil but fuel oil or
petroleum). The richest countries are those countries that have an abundance of oil. In
Bible times one of the most valuable things in the world was OIL (not fuel oil but olive
oil). Wealthy King Solomon gave King Hiram 20,000 baths of olive oil (one bath equals
about 7½ gallons) -- see 2 Chronicles 2:10.

What was olive oil used for, and why was it so valuable? Probably the most important
use of oil was its use as fuel in lamps. These oil lamps were very important in Bible
times. Remember, people did not have electric lights or flashlights in those days. No oil meant no light
(see Matthew 25:1-9).

Also, olive oil took the place of butter. Think of all the things you like to spread butter on. If you were
living in the days of Peter and Paul, you would use olive oil instead of butter. Olive oil was also used in

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