Anointing Oil

Anointing oil holds significant importance in the biblical narrative, serving as a symbol of consecration, sanctification, and the presence of the Holy Spirit. The use of anointing oil is first detailed in the Old Testament, where it is described as a sacred mixture used for anointing the tabernacle, its furnishings, and the priests. The instructions for its composition are found in Exodus 30:22-25 : "Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Take the finest spices: 500 shekels of liquid myrrh, half as much (that is, 250 shekels) of fragrant cinnamon, 250 shekels of fragrant cane, 500 shekels of cassia—all according to the sanctuary shekel—and a hin of olive oil. Prepare from these a holy anointing oil, a fragrant blend, the work of a perfumer; it will be a holy anointing oil.'"

The anointing oil was not to be used for ordinary purposes, as it was considered holy. Exodus 30:32-33 warns, "It must not be poured on the bodies of ordinary men, and you must not make anything with this same formula. It is holy, and it must be holy to you. Anyone who mixes perfume like it or puts it on an outsider shall be cut off from his people."

In the New Testament, anointing with oil continues to hold spiritual significance. James 5:14 instructs, "Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord." This practice underscores the belief in the healing power of God and the role of faith and prayer in the life of believers.

Incense

Incense in the Bible is often associated with worship, prayer, and the presence of God. The use of incense is prescribed in the Old Testament as part of the sacrificial system and the worship practices of Israel. The formula for the sacred incense is given in Exodus 30:34-36 : "Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Take fragrant spices—gum resin, onycha, and galbanum—and pure frankincense, all in equal measures. And make a fragrant blend of incense, the work of a perfumer, seasoned with salt, pure and holy. Grind some of it into fine powder and place it in front of the Testimony in the Tent of Meeting, where I will meet with you. It shall be most holy to you.'"

The incense was to be burned on the altar of incense, which stood before the veil separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place in the tabernacle and later in the temple. The rising smoke of the incense symbolized the prayers of the people ascending to God. Psalm 141:2 reflects this imagery: "May my prayer be set before You like incense, my uplifted hands like the evening offering."

In the New Testament, the imagery of incense continues to represent prayer and worship. Revelation 8:3-4 describes a heavenly scene: "Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, along with the prayers of all the saints, on the golden altar before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, rose up before God from the hand of the angel."

The use of incense in biblical worship underscores the holiness of God and the reverence due to Him. It serves as a reminder of the need for purity and devotion in the worship of the Almighty.