In the biblical context, sacred ointments hold significant religious and ceremonial importance. These ointments, often composed of a blend of aromatic spices and oils, were used for anointing purposes, symbolizing consecration, sanctification, and the presence of the Holy Spirit.

1. Anointing of Priests and Kings: Sacred ointments were primarily used for the anointing of priests and kings, signifying their divine appointment and empowerment for service. In Exodus 30:30, God commands Moses, "Anoint Aaron and his sons and consecrate them to serve Me as priests." This anointing set them apart for their holy duties. Similarly, the anointing of kings, such as Saul and David, marked their selection by God to lead His people (1 Samuel 10:1; 1 Samuel 16:13).

2. Consecration of the Tabernacle and Its Furnishings: The sacred ointment was also used to consecrate the Tabernacle and its furnishings, making them holy and dedicated to the Lord. Exodus 30:26-29 instructs, "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."

3. Symbol of the Holy Spirit: The use of sacred ointment is often seen as a symbol of the Holy Spirit's presence and work. The anointing oil represents the Spirit's empowerment, guidance, and sanctification. In Isaiah 61:1, the prophet declares, "The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor." This passage, later quoted by Jesus in Luke 4:18, underscores the connection between anointing and the Spirit's mission.

4. Healing and Restoration: While not exclusively sacred, ointments were also used for healing purposes, reflecting God's care and restoration. In the parable of the Good Samaritan, the Samaritan uses oil and wine to tend to the wounds of the injured man (Luke 10:34). This act of mercy and healing echoes the restorative nature of God's anointing.

5. Preparation for Burial: Sacred ointments were used in the preparation of bodies for burial, as seen in the account of Jesus' anointing at Bethany. In John 12:3, Mary anoints Jesus' feet with expensive perfume, an act Jesus interprets as preparation for His burial (John 12:7). This use of ointment highlights its role in honoring and preparing for the sacred transition from life to death.

The sacred ointments in the Bible, therefore, serve as powerful symbols of consecration, divine appointment, healing, and the presence of the Holy Spirit, playing a crucial role in the religious and ceremonial life of God's people.Exodus 30:26-33
And you shall anoint the tabernacle of the congregation therewith, and the ark of the testimony,
Nave's Topical Index

Jericho Itself.
... of the sycamine-trees, which their fathers had devoted to sacred uses,"they alienated ...
Blessed be he, who hath created the ointment of our land." The Gloss is ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 47 jericho itself.htm

On the Use of Ointments and Crowns.
... that the woman brought to the sacred supper "an ... in high estimation with them, and
the ointment prepared from ... but compels vessels for the meanest uses to smell ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter viii on the use of.htm

Of the Priesthood of Aaron.
... and what was collected was spent in the uses of the ... speak of what we do in our sacred
offices in ... had purified them with spring waters and ointment, they became ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 8 of the priesthood.htm

Epistle xxxv. To Leontius, Ex-Consul.
... others, as vessels of honour, are fitted for clean uses. ... the elect, filled the house
with the ointment (Luke 7 ... apostles, a key of his most sacred sepulchre, in ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle xxxv to leontius ex-consul.htm

Causes of Corruption Chiefly Intentional.
... discoverable for every word the Evangelist uses:"its form ... we should have assumed
that the ointment-bearers,' for ... and indeed excluded from the Sacred Text by ...
/.../chapter vii causes of corruption.htm

To Urban vi
... that ought to be cauterized: if ointment is applied ... give life to the prelate who
uses them, and ... money-changers, playing with those most sacred anointed hands ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/benincasa/letters of catherine benincasa/to urban vi.htm

Effects of Baptism and of Chrism.
... come up from the pool of the sacred waters, there ... further shewn in the fact that
Cyril uses the very ... in reference to the consecration of the ointment of Chrism ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/chapter vi effects of baptism and.htm

What was Prophetically Prefigured in the Sons of Noah.
... in the Song of Songs, [861] to ointment poured forth? ... receives instruction will be
wise, and he uses the foolish ... object of the writer of these sacred books, or ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 2 what was prophetically prefigured.htm

The Worst Things Work for Good to the Godly
... That temptation which the devil uses as a spur to sin, God makes a bridle ... Christ's
blood saves from sin, and is the sacred ointment which kids this quicksilver ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/the worst things work for.htm

Household Salvation
... He calls an individual, and then uses him to be a sort ... a convoy to the skies, so
that a sacred caravan shall ... the name of Jesus will be as ointment poured forth ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/household salvation.htm

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