What other biblical figures were anointed by God for specific purposes? Starting Point: David’s Anointing (1 Samuel 16:13) “So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. Then Samuel set out and went to Ramah.” Other Kings Anointed to Lead • Saul – 1 Samuel 10:1: “Then Samuel took a flask of oil, poured it on Saul’s head, kissed him, and said, ‘Has not the LORD anointed you ruler over His inheritance?’” • Solomon – 1 Kings 1:39 • Jehu – 2 Kings 9:6 • Joash (Jehoash) – 2 Kings 11:12 • Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, and other later kings received anointing or covenantal confirmation (2 Chronicles 23:11; Jeremiah 22:18) Priests Set Apart for Sacred Service • Aaron and his sons – Exodus 28:41; 30:30 • High priests in succeeding generations – Leviticus 8:12; Numbers 18:8 Purpose: to mediate between God and Israel, offer sacrifices, and teach the Law. Prophets Empowered to Speak for God • Elisha – 1 Kings 19:16: “You are also to anoint … Elisha son of Shaphat … to succeed you as prophet.” • General prophetic company – Psalm 105:15 cites God calling them “My anointed ones,” underscoring divine empowerment to proclaim His word. An Unexpected Recipient: A Foreign Ruler • Cyrus of Persia – Isaiah 45:1: “This is what the LORD says to Cyrus His anointed, whose right hand I have grasped to subdue nations before him….” Purpose: release Israel from exile and fund the rebuilding of the temple (Ezra 1:1–4). The Ultimate Anointed One (Messiah) • Jesus of Nazareth – Luke 4:18; Acts 10:38: “God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power….” Purpose: preach good news, heal, deliver, and ultimately redeem humanity through the cross and resurrection (Isaiah 61:1–3; John 1:29). Key Takeaways • Anointing marks divine selection and empowerment for a specific role—kingly leadership, priestly service, prophetic voice, or redemptive mission. • From David to Jesus, God’s anointings reveal His sovereign plan to guide, protect, and save His people. |
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