Topical Bible: Anointing was Used for Purifying the Body

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Topical Encyclopedia

Anointing, a practice deeply rooted in biblical tradition, served various purposes, including the purification of the body. This ritual act, involving the application of oil, was not only symbolic but also practical, reflecting the cultural and religious milieu of ancient Israel and the early Christian community.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, anointing was primarily associated with consecration and sanctification. However, it also played a role in personal hygiene and purification. The use of oil for anointing the body is evident in several passages, where it is linked to cleanliness and refreshment. For instance, in Ruth 3:3, Naomi instructs Ruth, "Therefore wash yourself, anoint yourself, put on your best clothes, and go down to the threshing floor." Here, anointing is part of a preparatory process, indicating a transition from mourning to a state of readiness and purity.

The practice of anointing was also a part of the purification rituals prescribed in the Mosaic Law. In Leviticus 14, the cleansing of a leper involved anointing with oil as part of the purification process. Leviticus 14:17 states, "The priest shall put some of the oil remaining in his palm on the lobe of the right ear of the one to be cleansed, on the thumb of his right hand, and on the big toe of his right foot, on top of the blood of the guilt offering." This anointing signified the restoration of the individual to a state of ritual purity.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, anointing continues to hold significance, particularly in the context of healing and purification. Mark 6:13 records that the disciples "drove out many demons and healed many of the sick, anointing them with oil." This practice underscores the belief in the purifying and restorative power of anointing, as it was used to cleanse individuals from physical and spiritual ailments.

Furthermore, in the account of Jesus' anointing by a woman in Luke 7:46, Jesus remarks, "You did not anoint My head with oil, but she has anointed My feet with perfume." This act of anointing, while primarily an expression of devotion, also carries connotations of purification and preparation, as it was customary to anoint guests as a sign of hospitality and cleanliness.

Cultural and Symbolic Significance

Anointing for purification was not merely a physical act but carried deep symbolic meaning. Oil, often olive oil, was considered a precious commodity, symbolizing abundance, joy, and the presence of the Holy Spirit. The act of anointing was thus a tangible expression of God's blessing and favor, purifying the individual and setting them apart for a holy purpose.

In the broader cultural context, anointing was a common practice in the ancient Near East, used for both religious and secular purposes. It was associated with grooming and personal care, reflecting the importance of cleanliness and presentation in social and religious interactions.

Conclusion

The use of anointing for purifying the body in biblical times highlights the multifaceted nature of this practice. It served as a means of physical cleanliness, a ritual of spiritual purification, and a symbol of divine favor and consecration. Through anointing, individuals were not only cleansed but also prepared for service and communion with God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Esther 2:12
Now when every maid's turn was come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after that she had been twelve months, according to the manner of the women, (for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, to wit, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odors, and with other things for the purifying of the women;)
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 57:9
And you went to the king with ointment, and did increase your perfumes, and did send your messengers far off, and did debase yourself even to hell.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Entire Sanctification in Type.
... sprinkling the unclean sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh ... many times in Scripture,
and was used for a ... John as "the unction" or "the anointing." The holy ...
/.../clark/the theology of holiness/chapter iv entire sanctification in.htm

On Extreme Unction and Holy Orders
... Oil is used in Extreme Unction"as in Confirmation ... "Anointing." In this Sacrament
the priest anoints all our ... piece of bread or lemon for purifying the priest's ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 25 on extreme unction.htm

Concerning the Communion, or Participation of the Body and Blood ...
... the washing one another's feet, and the anointing of the ... and the example of Christ,
to signify an inward purifying. ... But if they say, That it is used among them ...
/.../proposition xiii concerning the communion.htm

On the Offices of Our Lord Jesus Christ
... Under the Old Testament, oil was anciently used in anointing ... xlix, 1, 2.) The
attestation, by anointing, of his ... for "it sanctifieth only to the purifying of the ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 14 on the offices.htm

The Spirit and Power of Elias.
... followed; for you remember that Buddha used to say ... in mighty power on the waiting
Church, anointing it for ... is positive; it is as cleansing, purifying flame; it ...
//christianbookshelf.org/meyer/john the baptist/xvii the spirit and power.htm

Christ's Prayer Answered.
... Jews who were sanctified at Pentecost, "purifying their hearts ... notice some of the
characteristics of the Pentecostal anointing. ... It used to be a pastime of the ...
/.../rees/the heart-cry of jesus/chapter iv christs prayer answered.htm

The Pastor's Parting Blessing
... is carrying on in believers daily a purifying work; for ... One of the benedictions
frequently used by the apostle ... are to be found in one rare anointing oil upon ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the pastors parting blessing.htm

The Deputation from Jerusalem - the Three Sects of the Pharisees ...
... an unclean vessel did not lose its purity and purifying power. ... from meat and wine,
even from the common Eastern anointing with oil; used mystic lustrations ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter ii the deputation from.htm

The Three Witnesses
... type of Christ) three things were always used: he was ... So that every priest came by
the anointing Spirit, by ... of communicating a new; pure, and purifying life to ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 20 1874/the three witnesses.htm

The Last Years of Knox: 1567-1572
... 6. at Stirling, protesting against the rite of anointing. ... and refuted: "And also
concerning Paul his purifying at Jerusalem ... 262a} Yet now Knox had used the very ...
/.../lang/john knox and the reformation/chapter xviii the last years.htm