Topical Bible: Anointing of Guests

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The practice of anointing guests is a significant cultural and religious custom in the biblical context, reflecting hospitality, honor, and respect. This tradition is deeply rooted in the ancient Near Eastern customs and is frequently mentioned in the Scriptures, illustrating its importance in social and religious life.

Cultural Context and Practice

In ancient times, anointing with oil was a common practice to welcome and honor guests. The oil, often perfumed, was poured on the head or feet of the guest as a sign of respect and to refresh them after travel. This act was not only a gesture of hospitality but also a symbol of blessing and favor. The use of oil, a valuable commodity, underscored the host's generosity and the guest's esteemed status.

Biblical References

The practice of anointing guests is exemplified in several biblical narratives. In the New Testament, Jesus highlights the significance of this custom in Luke 7:44-46 : "Then He turned to the woman and said to Simon, 'Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you did not give Me water for My feet, but she wet My feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not greet Me with a kiss, but she has not stopped kissing My feet since I arrived. You did not anoint My head with oil, but she has anointed My feet with perfume.'" Here, Jesus contrasts the lack of customary hospitality from Simon the Pharisee with the woman's extravagant act of devotion, emphasizing the importance of anointing as a gesture of honor.

In the Old Testament, anointing is also associated with hospitality. In Psalm 23:5 , David writes, "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows." This verse metaphorically describes God's abundant provision and blessing, using the imagery of anointing to convey honor and divine favor.

Symbolism and Spiritual Significance

Anointing guests carries rich symbolic meaning in the biblical tradition. It signifies purification, consecration, and the impartation of the Holy Spirit. The act of anointing is often associated with setting someone apart for a special purpose or blessing. In the context of hospitality, it reflects the host's desire to honor and bless the guest, creating an atmosphere of peace and welcome.

The spiritual significance of anointing is further highlighted in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, who is often referred to as the "Anointed One" or "Messiah." His anointing by the Holy Spirit signifies His divine mission and authority. In this way, the anointing of guests can be seen as a reflection of the greater anointing that believers receive through Christ, who welcomes them into the household of God.

Conclusion

The anointing of guests is a profound expression of hospitality and honor in the biblical tradition. It serves as a reminder of the importance of welcoming others with generosity and respect, reflecting the love and grace of God. Through this practice, believers are encouraged to extend the same spirit of hospitality and blessing to others, following the example set by Christ.

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2 Chronicles 28:15
And the men which were expressed by name rose up, and took the captives, and with the spoil clothed all that were naked among them, and arrayed them, and shod them, and gave them to eat and to drink, and anointed them, and carried all the feeble of them on asses, and brought them to Jericho, the city of palm trees, to their brothers: then they returned to Samaria.
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Luke 7:46
My head with oil you did not anoint: but this woman has anointed my feet with ointment.
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Library

The Anointing of Jesus.
... I. THE ANOINTING OF JESUS ... Coming in, apparently after the guests had reclined at
table, she broke an alabaster of very costly spikenard[2] and anointed the feet ...
/.../the expositors bible the gospel of st john vol ii/i the anointing of jesus.htm

Mary of Magdala.
... the open door and passed swiftly by the couches on which the guests were reclining ...
soon they knew by the odor of costly perfume that she was anointing His feet ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xix mary of magdala.htm

Christ Anointed by Mary in Bethany. (John, xii. , 1, Seq. )
... from Jericho to Jerusalem, it is easy to explain their placing this anointing where
they do ... for servants to bring water to wash the feet of the guests; but Mary ...
/.../section 242 christ anointed by.htm

Jesus' Feet Anointed in the House of a Pharisee.
... [Anointing was a mark of honor which was usually bestowed upon distinguished guests
(Amos 6:6; Psalm 23:5; cxli.5). To anoint the feet was regarded as extreme ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xlvi jesus feet anointed in.htm

The Feast at Simon's House
... If they did, the great love of Mary would be expressed, the anointing would be ... He
knew that many of his guests were looking upon Christ with distrust and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 62 the feast at.htm

The Two Debtors.
... recline beside the table; and, further, from the position of the guests, it was ... she
reached the feet of the Redeemer with the intention of anointing them in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/xvi the two debtors.htm

In Urging Repentance St. ...
... Christ, washing them with her tears, wiping them with her hair, and anointing them
with ... strength, but by the grace of Christ, and sits among the guests at the ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter viii in urging repentance.htm

The First Day in Passion-Week - Palm-Sunday - the Royal Entry into ...
... Mark relate Christ's brief stay at Bethany and His anointing by Mary not in ... from
Galilee and Per??a, and preceded Him to Jerusalem, from the guests at the ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter i the first day.htm

The Defence of Uncalculating Love
... Mary did not regard her anointing as preparatory to His burial, but He had His thoughts
fixed on it, and He sought ... What a gulf between the other guests and Him ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the defence of uncalculating love.htm

In Jericho and at Bethany - Jericho - a Guest with Zacch??us - the ...
... how at that last feast of fellowship, when all the other guests realised not - no ...
for the burying.' [5035] [5036] Her faith made it a twofold anointing: that of ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxiv in jericho and.htm