Topical Bible: Anointing: Omitted in Mourning

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Anointing, a significant practice in biblical times, often symbolized consecration, blessing, and the presence of the Holy Spirit. It involved the application of oil, usually olive oil, to a person or object, setting them apart for a sacred purpose. In the context of mourning, however, the omission of anointing held particular significance, reflecting the depth of sorrow and the gravity of the situation.

Cultural and Religious Significance

In ancient Israel, anointing was a common practice for priests, kings, and prophets, signifying their divine appointment and empowerment. For instance, Aaron and his sons were anointed as priests (Exodus 30:30), and David was anointed as king by the prophet Samuel (1 Samuel 16:13). Anointing oil was also used for healing and refreshment, as seen in Psalm 23:5, "You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows."

Anointing and Mourning

The omission of anointing during mourning was a deliberate act that underscored the somberness of the occasion. In times of grief, individuals would refrain from anointing themselves, thereby expressing their sorrow and lamentation. This abstention was a visible sign of mourning, contrasting with the usual practice of anointing for joy and celebration.

In 2 Samuel 14:2, Joab instructs a wise woman to present herself as a mourner before King David, saying, "Please pretend to be a mourner; put on mourning clothes, and do not anoint yourself with oil, but act like a woman who has been mourning for the dead for a long time." This passage illustrates how the absence of anointing was an integral part of mourning attire, signifying a period of deep personal loss and reflection.

Biblical Examples

The omission of anointing in mourning is further exemplified in the book of Daniel. When Daniel mourned for three weeks, he abstained from anointing himself, as recorded in Daniel 10:3, "I ate no rich food, no meat or wine entered my mouth, and I did not anoint myself at all until the three weeks were over." This abstention was part of his expression of penitence and supplication before God.

Similarly, in the New Testament, Jesus acknowledges the customary practice of anointing and its omission during fasting and mourning. In Matthew 6:17, He instructs His followers, "But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face," emphasizing that the omission of anointing was associated with visible signs of fasting and mourning.

Spiritual Implications

The omission of anointing during mourning not only reflected personal grief but also had spiritual implications. It was a time of humility, repentance, and seeking God's presence in the midst of sorrow. By refraining from anointing, mourners demonstrated their reliance on God for comfort and restoration.

In the broader biblical narrative, the practice of anointing and its omission during mourning highlight the tension between human frailty and divine grace. While anointing symbolizes God's blessing and favor, its absence during mourning serves as a poignant reminder of the brokenness of the world and the hope of redemption through Christ, the Anointed One.

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2 Samuel 12:20
Then David arose from the earth, and washed, and anointed himself, and changed his apparel, and came into the house of the LORD, and worshipped: then he came to his own house; and when he required, they set bread before him, and he did eat.
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2 Samuel 14:2
And Joab sent to Tekoah, and fetched there a wise woman, and said to her, I pray you, feign yourself to be a mourner, and put on now mourning apparel, and anoint not yourself with oil, but be as a woman that had a long time mourned for the dead:
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Isaiah 61:3
To appoint to them that mourn in Zion, to give to them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.
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Daniel 10:3
I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.
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Library

The Woman which was a Sinner
... of his Gospel, could not have been omitted, at the ... flood with her tresses, continued
kissing and anointing them. ... had her hair dishevelled as in mourning, or as ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxi the woman which.htm

Of Miracles which were Wrought that the World Might Believe in ...
... immediately dispossessed of a devil, on anointing herself with oil ... being prepared,
amidst the weeping and mourning of all ... will regret that I have omitted so many ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 8 of miracles which were.htm

On the Death of his Father.
... mystically sealed, or any trace of mourning to be ... publicly cried out that he was
anointing with the ... of them, discover without difficulty what can be omitted? ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xviii on the death.htm

Notes
... 128 The anointing with oil showed that the catechumen was ... 115 Two stanzas are omitted
in the text, which depict ... not wear the black robes of mourning while they ...
//christianbookshelf.org/prudentius/the hymns of prudentius/notes.htm

Faustus Denies that the Prophets Predicted Christ. Augustin Proves ...
... Son of God and the King of Israel anointing the Stone ... how many things of this kind
are omitted for the ... house: "Thou hast turned for me my mourning into gladness ...
/.../faustus denies that the prophets.htm

Psalm XLV.
... words; and yet there is not anything omitted: since in the ... What is the meaning of
that anointing of a stone ... indeed there will no longer be the mourning over sins ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xlv.htm

Crucified, Dead, and Buried. '
... We further notice that, the name of the Virgin-Mother being omitted, the other ... the
fragrant mixture well known to the Jews for puroses of anointing or burying. ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xv crucified dead and.htm

Of the Necessity of Divine Influences to Produce Regeneration in ...
... hand of God is in it: as when anointing the eyes ... other words of our Lord must not
be omitted here, in ... beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and the ...
/.../practical discourses on regeneration/discourse vii of the necessity.htm

Appendix ix. List of Old Testament Passages Messianically Applied ...
... it is hoped, no important passage has been omitted. ... Messianic days God would turn
their mourning into joy ... King Messiah, on whose account the anointing oil was ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix ix list of old.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... The brisk talker of 'talkative,' was confounded"he heard pious godly women mourning
over their worthlessness instead of vaunting of their attainments. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm