Chassidut zu Schemuel II 14:2

This discourse will discuss the reasons why the miracle was performed through oil. The discourse is called "Oil for Lighting": The reason why Hashem performed the miracle through oil is because the Greeks wanted to abolish the wisdom of the Torah and increase foreign wisdom, Greek philosophy. At the time of salvation, “The Jews had light” (Ester 8:16) - this refers to the Torah (Megillah 16b). Hashem performed the miracle through oil which is alluded to the wisdom of Torah, as Chazal say (Menachot 85b): “Yoav sent (a messenger) to Tekoa to bring a wise woman from there” (Shmuel II 14:2). He sent specifically to Tekoa because the oil in Tekoa was second to none, and wherever olive oil is found, wisdom is found. (As I mentioned above several times).

According to the order of their banners [in the wilderness], this month relates to the Tribe of Asher, about whom it is written: “Asher’s bread will be rich, [And he will produce delicacies fit for royalty]” (Gen. 49:20); and also, “May he dip his foot in oil” (Deut. 33:24), because there was much olive oil in his portion [of the land], and every place where olive oil is found, there Wisdom is found. As it says, “And Joab sent to Tekoa [Tekoa produces fine olive oil] and brought a wise woman from there,” (II Samuel 14:2 with Menachot 85b). Because the constellation of this month is the Bucket (Aquarius) the constellation of Israel, the servant who serves with water, which is Torah, the essence of Wisdom: “Torah emerges from Wisdom” (Zohar 2:121a). “In the beginning” (Gen. 1:1) is translated [by the Jerusalem Targum] as “With Wisdom” meaning “With the Torah” (See Genesis Rabbah 1:1). Therefore this month is connected to the tribe of Asher, whose portion contains olive oil, which cultivates Wisdom.