Topical Bible: Anointing: Ointment For: Most Expensive

◄ Anointing: Ointment For: Most Expensive ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, anointing with oil was a significant ritual, symbolizing consecration, healing, and honor. Among the various ointments used for anointing, some were notably expensive, reflecting their value and the importance of the occasion or person being anointed.

One of the most renowned instances of the use of costly ointment is found in the New Testament, where Mary of Bethany anoints Jesus. In the Gospel of John, it is recorded: "Then Mary took about a pint of expensive perfume, made of pure nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume" (John 12:3). This act of devotion was significant not only for its extravagance but also for its prophetic symbolism, as Jesus Himself acknowledged it as preparation for His burial (John 12:7).

The ointment used by Mary was made of pure nard, also known as spikenard, a fragrant oil derived from a plant native to the Himalayan region. Its importation from such a distant location contributed to its high cost. Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus' disciples, estimated the value of the ointment at three hundred denarii, which was approximately a year's wages for a laborer at the time (John 12:5). This highlights the sacrificial nature of Mary's act, as she chose to honor Jesus with something of great personal value.

The use of expensive ointment for anointing is also seen in the Old Testament. In Exodus, God commands Moses to prepare a sacred anointing oil, composed of myrrh, cinnamon, calamus, cassia, and olive oil, to consecrate the tabernacle and its furnishings, as well as Aaron and his sons as priests (Exodus 30:22-30). The ingredients for this oil were costly and carefully measured, underscoring the sanctity and importance of the anointing process.

In both Testaments, the use of costly ointment for anointing serves as a powerful symbol of dedication, reverence, and the setting apart of individuals or objects for divine purposes. The willingness to use such valuable resources reflects the depth of devotion and the recognition of the sacredness of the act or person being anointed.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Kings 20:13
And Hezekiah listened to them, and showed them all the house of his precious things, the silver, and the gold, and the spices, and the precious ointment, and all the house of his armor, and all that was found in his treasures: there was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion, that Hezekiah showed them not.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Amos 6:6
That drink wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with the chief ointments: but they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 12:3,5
Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odor of the ointment.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Feast at Simon's House
... Her act of kissing Christ's feet and anointing them with ointment was exasperating
to his ... Tell Me therefore, which of them will love him most? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 62 the feast at.htm

In Jericho and at Bethany - Jericho - a Guest with Zacch??us - the ...
... 5036] Her faith made it a twofold anointing: that of ... And deepest humility now offered,
what most earnest love ... And so she poured the precious ointment over His ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xxiv in jericho and.htm

Christ's Hospital
... You are anxious to be clear of the most darling sin ... By the very anointing of Christ
by the Holy Spirit ... remember when the Lord put that precious ointment upon my ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/christs hospital.htm

1 Cor. Iv. 6
... Most clearly to prevent even those who are in their ... God hath honored thee with spiritual
anointing; and dost ... made with consecrated balm or ointment, and called ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xii 1 cor iv.htm

part ii
... This is the most pleasing sacrifice to God. ... fine clothes, frequent theatres, evening
parties, masquerades; if you provide yourself with expensive plate, china ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm