I do not understand what the gemarah is stating regarding the story of Tekoa. How is it possible for them to have carried towels and oil to bathe on shabbos?
1. They cannot use those items because at a minimum the oil is muktsah.
2. Under what circumstances could they bathe on Shabbos? If they couldn't, how could they be allowed to carry for that purpose since it would constitute preparation from Shabbos to chol?
Thank you and Kol Tuv,
Daniel, Teaneck, NJ, USA
1. It is permitted to smear oil on one's body on Shabbos as long as this is not done for medical purposes (see Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 327:1).
2. There are some ways in which bathing is permitted on Shabbos. For instance, see Shulchan Aruch OC 326:1 that one may bathe one's entire body in cold water on Shabbos.
Kol Tuv,
Dovid Bloom