The anointing of the Tabernacle and its contents is a significant event in the Old Testament, marking the consecration and sanctification of the sacred space and its furnishings for the worship of Yahweh. This act of anointing is detailed primarily in the book of Exodus and is a critical component of the covenantal relationship between God and the Israelites.

Biblical Context

The instructions for anointing the Tabernacle are given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai. In Exodus 30:26-29, God commands Moses to use a specially prepared anointing oil to consecrate the Tabernacle and everything within it: "With it you are to anoint the Tent of Meeting, the Ark of the Testimony, the table and all its utensils, the lampstand and its utensils, the altar of incense, the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, and the basin with its stand. You are to consecrate them so that they will be most holy. Whatever touches them will be holy" .

Purpose and Significance

The anointing serves several purposes. Firstly, it sets apart the Tabernacle and its contents as holy, dedicated exclusively to the service and worship of God. This act of consecration signifies that these objects are not for common use but are reserved for divine purposes. The anointing oil itself, composed of myrrh, cinnamon, calamus, cassia, and olive oil (Exodus 30:23-25), is a sacred mixture, symbolizing the presence and sanctity of God.

Secondly, the anointing of the Tabernacle and its contents underscores the holiness required in approaching God. The Israelites are reminded of the sanctity of their worship and the need for purity and reverence in their relationship with the Almighty. The anointing oil, therefore, acts as a physical representation of spiritual truths, emphasizing the need for holiness and dedication in the service of God.

Theological Implications

Theologically, the anointing of the Tabernacle prefigures the anointing of Jesus Christ, the ultimate High Priest and Mediator between God and humanity. The term "Messiah" or "Christ" means "Anointed One," and the anointing of the Tabernacle foreshadows the anointing of Jesus by the Holy Spirit. Just as the Tabernacle was set apart for God's presence, so too is Christ set apart as the dwelling place of God's fullness (Colossians 2:9).

Furthermore, the anointing of the Tabernacle and its contents can be seen as a precursor to the anointing of believers in the New Testament. In 1 John 2:20, believers are said to have an anointing from the Holy One, signifying their consecration and empowerment by the Holy Spirit for service and worship.

Ritual and Practice

The ritual of anointing the Tabernacle involved not only the application of oil but also the offering of sacrifices and the ordination of the priests, as described in Leviticus 8. The anointing of Aaron and his sons as priests (Exodus 30:30) is integral to the sanctification of the Tabernacle, as they are the mediators of the covenant and the ones who perform the sacred duties within the holy space.

The anointing of the Tabernacle and its contents is a profound expression of God's desire to dwell among His people and the necessary preparation for His holy presence. It highlights the importance of holiness, dedication, and the divine order established for worship, serving as a foundational element in the religious life of Israel.