Topical Bible: Anointing was Applied to The Face

Bible > Topical > Anointing was Applied to The Face

◄ Anointing was Applied to The Face ►

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

Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, anointing was a significant ritual act that symbolized consecration, blessing, and the presence of the Holy Spirit. While anointing is most commonly associated with the head, there are instances and implications of anointing being applied to the face, reflecting a deeper spiritual and cultural significance.

Cultural and Historical Context

Anointing with oil was a common practice in the ancient Near East, serving both practical and symbolic purposes. Oils were used for personal grooming, protection against the harsh climate, and as a means of honoring guests. In a spiritual context, anointing signified setting apart individuals for divine purposes, such as kings, priests, and prophets.

Biblical References

While the Bible does not explicitly mention anointing the face in the same way it does the head, there are passages that imply the use of oil on the face as part of anointing or personal grooming. For instance, in Psalm 104:15, the psalmist speaks of oil that "makes his face shine," suggesting the application of oil to the face as a sign of joy and blessing: "wine that gladdens the heart of man, oil that makes his face shine, and bread that sustains his heart" .

In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the practice of anointing the face in the context of fasting. In Matthew 6:17, He instructs His followers: "But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face," indicating that anointing the head and maintaining a clean appearance, including the face, was a way to present oneself honorably before God and others, even during times of personal sacrifice.

Symbolic Significance

Anointing the face can be seen as a metaphor for the radiance and joy that comes from living in accordance with God's will. The shining face, as mentioned in Psalm 104:15, symbolizes a life blessed by God, reflecting His glory and favor. This act of anointing, therefore, is not merely about physical appearance but about embodying the spiritual vitality and joy that comes from a relationship with the Divine.

Practical Implications

In the biblical tradition, anointing the face, whether explicitly mentioned or implied, underscores the importance of presenting oneself in a manner that honors God. It serves as a reminder of the believer's call to reflect God's light and love in their daily lives. The practice of anointing, therefore, extends beyond ritual to encompass a lifestyle of holiness, joy, and dedication to God's purposes.

Conclusion

While direct references to anointing the face are limited, the broader biblical context suggests that the practice was understood as part of a holistic approach to anointing, encompassing both physical and spiritual dimensions. Through anointing, believers are reminded of their identity as God's chosen people, called to shine His light in the world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 104:15
And wine that makes glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengthens man's heart.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Consecration and Dedication
... consecration of Aaron and his sons the anointing oil and ... and the Holy Spirit will
never be applied to the ... Usually when the soul is brought face to face with ...
/.../byers/sanctification/chapter iii consecration and dedication.htm

The Copies of Things in the Heavens
... The name means literally 'bread of the face'; that is, bread ... of the Tabernacle and
its vessels by the anointing oil which, when applied to inanimate ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the copies of things in.htm

Appendix ix. List of Old Testament Passages Messianically Applied ...
... to Isaiah 11:2, and the moving on the face of the ... reference to the King Messiah,
on whose account the anointing oil was ... xxvi.13 is applied to Messianic times. ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix ix list of old.htm

Additional Notes
... are true of them, they may be applied with little ... p.31), it seems to have consisted
of an anointing with chrism ... had ceased to be celebrated in the face of the ...
/.../st bernard of clairvauxs life of st malachy of armagh/additional notes.htm

Concerning Faith of Things Not Seen
... Thy friend's face thou discernest by thy own body, thy ... much more is faith to be applied
to divine ... of gladness above Thy fellows." This anointing is spiritual ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/concerning faith of things not seen /

The Name Jesus and Also the Name Christ were Known from the ...
... men before the time of Moses, he applied first and ... as follows: "The Spirit before
our face, Christ the ... themselves became, by the act of anointing, Christs in ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter iii the name jesus and.htm

Not that Light, but a Witness.
... the smile of spring, and unveils her face in summer ... The term baptism, as applied
to the Holy Spirit ... of those experiences of the indwelling and anointing of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/meyer/john the baptist/viii not that light but.htm

Among the People, and with the Pharisees
... But in general society anointing was combined with washing, as ... the beard, the forehead,
and the face, even garlands ... strength of His arm" was applied to the ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 13 among the people.htm

The Name Above Every Name
... blaze of the glory was indeed the face that he ... than these points: divine inspiration
or anointing; a sufferer ... is often used in the Gospels, and applied to our ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/the name above every name.htm

On the Holy Trinity, and of the Godhead of the Holy Spirit.
... is said "the angels do alway behold the Face of My ... this dignity was the unction which
was applied to them ... of this grace received after his anointing another name ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/on the holy trinity and.htm