In biblical times, anointing with oil was a common practice, symbolizing blessing, consecration, and healing. The use of ointment or oil was not only a physical act but also carried deep spiritual significance. However, there are instances in Scripture where the neglect of anointing with oil is highlighted, particularly during times of affliction and mourning.

Neglect in Mourning and Affliction

The act of anointing oneself with oil was often associated with joy and celebration. In times of mourning or affliction, the absence of anointing was a sign of distress and sorrow. This is evident in several passages where the lack of anointing is mentioned as part of the mourning process.

In the book of 2 Samuel, when David mourns the death of Abner, he refrains from anointing himself, signifying his deep grief: "All the people took note and were pleased. In fact, everything the king did pleased them. So on that day all the people and all Israel knew that it had not been the king’s will to kill Abner son of Ner" (2 Samuel 3:36-37). Here, the absence of anointing underscores the sincerity of David's lamentation.

Similarly, in the book of Daniel, the prophet describes his own period of mourning and fasting: "I ate no rich food, no meat or wine entered my mouth, and I did not anoint myself at all until the three weeks were over" (Daniel 10:3). Daniel's choice to abstain from anointing during his time of seeking God reflects the seriousness of his spiritual pursuit and the gravity of the situation he faced.

Cultural and Spiritual Implications

The neglect of anointing in times of affliction also had cultural implications. In ancient Near Eastern societies, anointing with oil was part of daily hygiene and personal grooming. To forgo this practice was to visibly demonstrate one's inner turmoil and distress. This cultural context is important for understanding the depth of sorrow expressed through the neglect of anointing.

From a spiritual perspective, the absence of anointing during affliction can be seen as a form of humility and submission before God. It is an outward expression of an inward state, where the individual acknowledges their dependence on God and their need for His comfort and intervention.

Biblical Encouragement for Anointing

Despite the neglect of anointing in times of affliction, Scripture also provides encouragement for its use as a means of healing and restoration. In the New Testament, James instructs the church: "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" (James 5:14). This practice underscores the belief in God's power to heal and the role of anointing as a conduit for divine grace.

In summary, while anointing with oil was often neglected during times of affliction as a sign of mourning and humility, it also holds a place of importance in the biblical narrative as a symbol of healing and divine blessing. The dual role of anointing—both as a sign of joy and as a neglected practice in sorrow—reflects the complex interplay between cultural customs and spiritual truths in the biblical world.2 Samuel 12:20
Then David arose from the earth, and washed, and anointed himself, and changed his apparel, and came into the house of the LORD, and worshipped: then he came to his own house; and when he required, they set bread before him, and he did eat.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Samuel 14:2
And Joab sent to Tekoah, and fetched there a wise woman, and said to her, I pray you, feign yourself to be a mourner, and put on now mourning apparel, and anoint not yourself with oil, but be as a woman that had a long time mourned for the dead:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Daniel 10:3
I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine in my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, till three whole weeks were fulfilled.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

On Extreme Unction and Holy Orders
... means the anointing or rubbing with oil or ointment. ... "Anointing." In this Sacrament
the priest anoints all our senses ... and has for some time neglected to receive ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 25 on extreme unction.htm

The Women of the Gospel Narrative the Study of the Early Christian ...
... of Jewish girls was greatly neglected; but it ... house, anointed Christ's feet with
ointment, after washing ... which follows the account of her anointing the Lord's ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/i the women of the.htm

Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians.
... Anointing, metaphorically, for encouraging, [756]378. ... 1369]377; weak, shaken by
affliction, strong confirmed ... a faithful, how good, [1459]330; times and places ...
/.../homilies on philippians colossians and.htm

part ii
... silver, which from the earth is tried, and purified seven times in the ... the lying
spirit shall darken, oppress, and plunge him into despondency and affliction. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

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