Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, sanctification refers to the process of setting apart a person, place, or object for a holy purpose. This act of consecration is often accompanied by anointing, a ritual that involves the application of oil as a symbol of divine blessing and dedication to God. The anointing of material things is a significant practice in the Old Testament, reflecting the belief that God's presence and favor can be invoked upon objects used in worship and service.Anointing of the Tabernacle and Its Furnishings One of the most detailed accounts of sanctification through anointing is found in the consecration of the Tabernacle and its furnishings. In Exodus 30:26-29, God instructs Moses to anoint the Tabernacle and everything within it: "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" . This passage underscores the sanctity imparted to these objects, designating them as holy and set apart for divine service. Anointing of the Priestly Garments The garments worn by the priests also underwent sanctification through anointing. In Exodus 29:21, God commands Moses to take some of the anointing oil and sprinkle it on Aaron and his garments, as well as on his sons and their garments. This act of anointing served to consecrate the priests and their attire, signifying their role as mediators between God and the people: "And you shall take some of the blood on the altar and some of the anointing oil, and sprinkle it on Aaron and his garments, as well as on his sons and their garments. In this way, he and his garments will be consecrated, as well as his sons and their garments" . Anointing of Kings and Leaders Beyond the Tabernacle and priestly garments, anointing was also used to sanctify leaders, particularly kings, as seen in the anointing of Saul and David. While this primarily pertains to individuals, the anointing of a king also symbolically sanctified the throne and the kingdom. In 1 Samuel 10:1, Samuel anoints Saul as king: "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?'" . Similarly, David's anointing in 1 Samuel 16:13 marks the divine selection and sanctification of his future reign. Anointing of Sacred Objects in the Temple The practice of anointing continued with the construction of Solomon's Temple. In 1 Kings 8, during the dedication of the Temple, Solomon acknowledges the sanctity of the place and the objects within it, although the specific act of anointing is not detailed in this chapter. The Temple and its sacred objects were understood to be set apart for God's presence and worship, continuing the tradition of sanctification through anointing. Symbolism and Significance The anointing of material things in the Bible serves as a powerful symbol of God's presence and blessing. It signifies the transformation of ordinary objects into vessels of divine purpose. This practice reflects the belief that God's holiness can permeate the physical world, setting apart spaces and objects for His glory and service. Through anointing, the sacredness of God's covenant with His people is manifested in tangible forms, reinforcing the connection between the divine and the material. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 40:9-11And you shall take the anointing oil, and anoint the tabernacle, and all that is therein, and shall hallow it, and all the vessels thereof: and it shall be holy. Nave's Topical Index Library Texts Explained; Secondly, Psalm Xlv. 7, 8 Whether the Words ... Scriptural Types. Whether There Can be any Suitable Cause for the Sacraments of the ... Book xi. The Apostle in his Letter to the Ephesians, Reviewing in ... They Shall be Called the Children of God From the Close of the General Conference in 1796, to the ... Introduction to Oration ii. part ii Some Gospel Truths Opened, According to the Scriptures; Or, the ... Resources What is the Keswick movement, and is it biblical? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Oswald Chambers? | GotQuestions.org What is glorification? | GotQuestions.org Sanctification: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Sanctification is Separation to the Service of God Sanctification: All Israel Sanctified Sanctification: All Saints are in a State of Sanctification: Christ Made, of God, to Us Sanctification: Effected by Christ Sanctification: Effected by God Sanctification: Effected by The Holy Spirit Sanctification: Firstborn of Israelites Sanctified Sanctification: God Wills all Saints to Have Sanctification: Material Things Sanctified by Anointing Sanctification: Ministers: Set Apart to God's Service By Sanctification: Ministers: should Exhort Their People to Walk In Sanctification: Ministers: should Pray That Their People May Enjoy Complete Sanctification: None Can Inherit the Kingdom of God Without Sanctification: Offering up of Saints Acceptable Through Sanctification: Saints Elected to Salvation Through Sanctification: Saints Fitted for the Service of God By Sanctification: should Lead to Holiness Sanctification: should Lead to Mortification of Sin Sanctification: Tabernacle Sanctified by God's Presence Sanctification: The Alter Sanctifies the Gift Sanctification: The Church Made Glorious By Sanctification: The Lord is the Sanctifier Sanctification: Through the Atonement of Christ Sanctification: Through the Word of God Sanctification: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Related Terms |