Topical Bible: Oil: Sacred

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Definition and Significance
Sacred oil, often referred to as anointing oil, holds a significant place in biblical tradition and practice. It is a consecrated substance used for religious rituals, symbolizing sanctification, divine blessing, and the presence of the Holy Spirit. The use of sacred oil is deeply rooted in the Old Testament and carries forward into New Testament teachings.

Old Testament Usage
In the Old Testament, sacred oil was primarily used for anointing priests, kings, and sacred objects. The instructions for making the holy anointing oil are detailed 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 sacred anointing oil.'"

The anointing oil was used to consecrate the Tabernacle and its furnishings, as well as Aaron and his sons, marking them as holy and set apart for God's service (Exodus 30:26-30). The act of anointing signified God's choice and empowerment, as seen in the anointing of Saul and David as kings of Israel (1 Samuel 10:1; 16:13).

Symbolism and Spiritual Meaning
Sacred oil symbolizes the Holy Spirit's presence and power. The anointing with oil represents the impartation of the Spirit, enabling individuals to fulfill their God-given roles. Psalm 133:2 illustrates the unity and blessing associated with anointing: "It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard over the collar of his robes."

The oil's fragrance and its ability to permeate and cover signify the pervasive and transformative work of the Spirit. Isaiah 61:1, a prophetic passage later quoted by Jesus in Luke 4:18, speaks of being anointed to bring good news, highlighting the oil's role in commissioning and empowering for ministry.

New Testament Context
In the New Testament, the practice of anointing with oil continues, though its application broadens. James 5:14-15 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. And the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick. The Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven." Here, oil is used in the context of healing and forgiveness, emphasizing its role in spiritual and physical restoration.

The anointing of Jesus by Mary of Bethany (John 12:3) and the anointing of His feet by a sinful woman (Luke 7:37-38) further illustrate the use of oil as an expression of devotion and worship, acknowledging Jesus' divine authority and foreshadowing His burial.

Conclusion
The sacred oil, throughout Scripture, serves as a powerful symbol of God's presence, blessing, and empowerment. Its use in anointing signifies consecration, healing, and the work of the Holy Spirit, reflecting the deep spiritual truths and practices that continue to resonate within the Christian faith.

Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 30:23-25
Take you also to you principal spices, of pure myrrh five hundred shekels, and of sweet cinnamon half so much, even two hundred and fifty shekels, and of sweet calamus two hundred and fifty shekels,
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Exodus 31:11
And the anointing oil, and sweet incense for the holy place: according to all that I have commanded you shall they do.
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Exodus 35:8,15,28
And oil for the light, and spices for anointing oil, and for the sweet incense,
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Exodus 37:29
And he made the holy anointing oil, and the pure incense of sweet spices, according to the work of the apothecary.
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Exodus 39:38
And the golden altar, and the anointing oil, and the sweet incense, and the hanging for the tabernacle door,
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Numbers 4:16
And to the office of Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest pertains the oil for the light, and the sweet incense, and the daily meat offering, and the anointing oil, and the oversight of all the tabernacle, and of all that therein is, in the sanctuary, and in the vessels thereof.
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1 Chronicles 9:30
And some of the sons of the priests made the ointment of the spices.
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Library

How the Rude in Sacred Learning, and those who are Learned but not ...
... For those who understand not aright the words of sacred Law are to be admonished ...
complains through the prophet, saying, I gave them corn, wine, and oil, and I ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter xxiv how the rude.htm

On the Sacraments in General
... So oil is used to show also that the grace of Confirmation spreads out over our
whole ... sacrilege, which is a great sin, because it is an abuse of a sacred thing ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 13 on the sacraments.htm

The Scope of the Apocalypse is Indicated by Its Place in the ...
... The scope of the Apocalypse is indicated by its place in the Sacred Canon. ... But it
is added, "See thou hurt not the oil and the wine." This intimates that the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/the scope of the apocalypse.htm

Consecration and Dedication
... In the consecration of Aaron and his sons the anointing oil and the blood were ...
signification of consecration is to present to Jesus all the sacred treasures of ...
/.../byers/sanctification/chapter iii consecration and dedication.htm

Of the Name of Son, and Whence He is Called Jesus and Christ.
... [526] The Jews had before been directed to compose a sacred oil, with which those
who were called to the priesthood [527] or to the kingdom might be anointed. ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap vii of the name of.htm

Accordingly, Saul, Having Been First Anointed by Samuel with the ...
... The Sacred History Of Sulpitius Severus. Book I. Chapter XXXIII. Accordingly, Saul,
having been first anointed by Samuel with the sacerdotal oil? ...
/.../chapter xxxiii accordingly saul having.htm

Of the Excellent Value which Sacred Love Gives to the Actions ...
... oil which was poured upon our Saviour as upon the head of the Church militant and
triumphant, spreads itself over the society of the Blessed, who as the sacred ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter vi of the excellent.htm

Epistle xxvi. To Januarius, Bishop.
... liability to the state, so as to be compelled after assuming a sacred order to ... The
first, in preparation for baptism, was with simple oil, on the breast and ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle xxvi to januarius bishop.htm

Whether Chrism is a Fitting Matter for this Sacrament?
... But olive oil is not to be procured everywhere; and much less is balm ... no priest dare
to sign the baptized infants on the brow with the sacred chrism." Therefore ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether chrism is a fitting.htm

(On the Mysteries. Iii. )
... in like manner, after you had come up from the pool of the sacred streams, there ...
2. For Christ was not anointed by men with oil or material ointment, but the ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xxi on the mysteries.htm