Topical Bible: Anointing was Used for Preparing the Dead for Burial

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In biblical times, anointing the dead was a significant practice, reflecting both cultural customs and religious beliefs. This act of anointing was part of the burial preparations, serving as a means to honor the deceased and to preserve the body. The use of spices and ointments in burial rites is well-documented in Scripture, highlighting the importance of this practice in ancient Jewish tradition.

One of the most notable references to anointing the dead is found in the New Testament, in the account of Jesus Christ's burial. After His crucifixion, Joseph of Arimathea, a secret disciple of Jesus, requested permission from Pilate to take Jesus' body for burial. Nicodemus, who had previously visited Jesus at night, accompanied Joseph. The Gospel of John records, "Nicodemus also brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds" (John 19:39). This substantial amount of spices indicates the high regard in which Jesus was held and the desire to honor Him in death.

The women who followed Jesus also played a crucial role in the anointing process. After the Sabbath, they went to the tomb to anoint Jesus' body with spices they had prepared. Mark 16:1 states, "When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so they could go and anoint Him" . This act of devotion underscores the cultural and religious significance of anointing as part of the burial process.

The practice of anointing the dead is rooted in the broader biblical tradition of anointing, which often symbolizes consecration, purification, and honor. In the Old Testament, anointing was used to set apart priests, kings, and sacred objects for God's service. Similarly, anointing the dead was a way to show respect and to prepare the body for its final resting place.

The use of myrrh and aloes, as mentioned in the Gospel of John, is consistent with ancient Jewish burial customs. Myrrh, a resin with a fragrant aroma, was commonly used in embalming and as a perfume. Aloes, derived from a plant, were also used for their aromatic properties. Together, these substances helped to mask the odor of decay and were believed to have preservative qualities.

In the context of Jesus' burial, the anointing with spices also holds theological significance. It fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah 53:9, which foretells that the Messiah would be buried with the rich. The act of anointing Jesus' body with costly spices by His followers reflects their recognition of His divine identity and their hope in His resurrection.

Overall, the anointing of the dead for burial in biblical times was a deeply meaningful practice, intertwining cultural customs with religious beliefs. It served as a final act of love and respect, preparing the deceased for their journey to the afterlife and affirming the hope of resurrection.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 26:12
For in that she has poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Mark 16:1
And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 23:56
And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the sabbath day according to the commandment.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Anointed for Burial.
... my body before death, and thus preparing it for ... It was, therefore, in verity, an
anointing beforehand, although she ... It is used as an expression of praise, like ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/anointed for burial.htm

Christian Worship,
... that is to say, those who were preparing for baptism ... also brought gifts of money,
which was used for the ... ii.5-9), besides the anointing with a mixture called ...
/.../chapter xviii christian worship.htm

Sermons of St. Bernard on the Passing of Malachy
... when they had all assembled to him, he was preparing to set ... was not set on fire by
it, but used it.[1142 ... O oil of gladness,[1189] giving both anointing and light ...
/.../sermons of st bernard on.htm

Princely Service.
... GOD have His right place, and let there be the anointing of the ... [D: While preparing
these sheets ... and could only bring death to the offerer when used in worship ...
/.../taylor/separation and service/part iii princely service.htm

Some Gospel Truths Opened, According to the Scriptures; Or, the ...
... virulence; learned and unlettered men alike used violent language ... already purchased,
and is now preparing for so ... to wit, union with Christ, the anointing of the ...
/.../the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/some gospel truths opened according.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... publishing the Book of Sports, to be used on Sundays. ... the bell, and struck him stark
dead; and the ... of the Holy Spirit in regenerating and preparing an ignorant ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... of the provinces around Hebron, in the direction of the Dead Sea, and ... Whereas, in
the north and west, cuneiform writing was almost entirely used, attempts had ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... the deserts which enclose the southern basin of the Dead Sea ... the anointing of Saul
(1 Samuel 9:16; x.1; and ... in times of extreme distress the king used to borrow ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm