Topical Bible: Oil used for Anointing Kings

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In the biblical tradition, the use of oil for anointing kings holds significant theological and symbolic importance. Anointing with oil is a ritual act that signifies consecration, divine approval, and the empowerment of an individual for a specific role or task. This practice is deeply rooted in the cultural and religious context of ancient Israel and is prominently featured in the narratives of the Old Testament.

Biblical Instances of Anointing Kings

The anointing of kings is first mentioned in the context of Saul, the first king of Israel. In 1 Samuel 10:1, the prophet Samuel anoints Saul with oil, marking him as the chosen leader of God's people: "Then Samuel took a flask of oil, poured it on Saul’s head, kissed him, and said, 'Has not the LORD anointed you ruler over His inheritance?'" . This act of anointing signifies Saul's divine appointment and sets him apart for the leadership of Israel.

Similarly, David, who is considered one of the most significant kings in Israel's history, is anointed by Samuel. In 1 Samuel 16:13, it is recorded: "So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward." . The anointing of David not only designates him as king but also indicates the presence and empowerment of the Holy Spirit in his life and reign.

Symbolism and Significance

The use of oil in anointing is rich with symbolism. Oil, often olive oil, was a valuable commodity in the ancient Near East, symbolizing abundance, blessing, and the presence of the Holy Spirit. The act of anointing with oil is a physical manifestation of God's choice and blessing upon an individual. It serves as a public declaration of the person's divine commission and authority.

In the case of kings, anointing with oil underscores their role as God's representatives on earth. It is a reminder that their authority is not merely political but is also spiritual, with a responsibility to lead the people according to God's laws and purposes. The anointing sets the king apart as sacred, emphasizing the covenant relationship between God and the nation of Israel.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the anointing of kings foreshadows the ultimate anointed one, the Messiah, a term that means "the anointed one." Christians believe that Jesus Christ fulfills this role as the King of Kings, anointed by God to bring salvation and establish God's kingdom. The anointing of kings in the Old Testament thus serves as a typology pointing to the greater anointing of Christ.

Conclusion

The practice of anointing kings with oil in the Bible is a profound ritual that conveys divine selection, empowerment, and the sacred duty of leadership. It is a testament to the belief in God's active role in the governance of His people and the expectation that leaders will rule in accordance with His will. Through the anointing, kings are reminded of their divine mandate and the spiritual dimension of their authority.

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1 Samuel 10:1
Then Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured it on his head, and kissed him, and said, Is it not because the LORD has anointed you to be captain over his inheritance?
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1 Samuel 16:1,13
And the LORD said to Samuel, How long will you mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill your horn with oil, and go, I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons.
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1 Kings 1:39
And Zadok the priest took an horn of oil out of the tabernacle, and anointed Solomon. And they blew the trumpet; and all the people said, God save king Solomon.
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Library

Of the Name of Son, and Whence He is Called Jesus and Christ.
... of royal dignity among the Romans, so with them the anointing with the holy oil
conferred the ... But since the ancient Greeks used the word chri'esthai to ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap vii of the name of.htm

Homeward Bound
... Gospels. At Rheims, too, he also saw and worshipped the vessel of holy oil,
which was used for anointing the kings of France. Then ...
/.../marson/hugh bishop of lincoln/chapter x homeward bound.htm

Christ with Chrism, Lo!
... leper of old was cleansed, the priest used to seal ... Likewise the savour of your anointing,
has been fragrant and ... By His wine is union; by His oil sanctification ...
/.../hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn iii christ with chrism.htm

Entire Sanctification in Type.
... mentioned many times in Scripture, and was used for a ... unction" or "the anointing."
The holy anointing oil was to ... the heads of prophets, priests and kings, as a ...
/.../clark/the theology of holiness/chapter iv entire sanctification in.htm

Inviolable Messiahs and Prophets
... The word has been used of late with unwise ... is one Spirit,' and there does flow the
anointing oil from the ... Kings were anointed; and when that divine gift comes ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/inviolable messiahs and prophets.htm

On the Offices of Our Lord Jesus Christ
... Under the Old Testament, oil was anciently used in anointing; because, according
to its ... (xlix, 1, 2.) The attestation, by anointing, of his call to the ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 14 on the offices.htm

Third Circuit of Galilee. The Twelve Instructed and Sent Forth.
... [Oil was not used as a medicine. ... This anointing was omitted when they were sick
and when they fasted (II. Sam. xii.20; Matthew 6:16, 17). ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/lxi third circuit of galilee.htm

Anointed and Stablished
... was poured upon His head, even as the oil upon Aaron's ... If He by that anointing was
made Prophet, Priest, and King ... Was it not Sir Isaac Newton who used to say ...
/.../romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/anointed and stablished.htm

The Fourfold Symbols of the Spirit
... That implies an emblem which is very frequently used, both in ... And so, when we read
of the oil of the Spirit ... more are all Christian men, by the anointing of the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/the fourfold symbols of the.htm

Jesus' Feet Anointed in the House of a Pharisee.
... The anointing at Bethany was therefore a different occasion from this ... That used by
Mary of Bethany was probably the ... feet, and to pour sweet olive oil over their ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xlvi jesus feet anointed in.htm