Topical Bible: Anointing was Used for Refreshing the Body

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Topical Encyclopedia

Anointing, in biblical times, served various purposes, including religious, ceremonial, and practical uses. Among its practical applications, anointing was used for refreshing and invigorating the body, a practice deeply embedded in the cultural and daily life of the ancient Near East.

Cultural Context

In the arid climate of the ancient Near East, the use of oil was a common means of personal care and hygiene. Olive oil, often infused with aromatic spices, was applied to the skin to protect it from the harsh sun and to maintain its suppleness. This practice was not only a matter of personal grooming but also a way to provide comfort and refreshment to the body.

Biblical References

The Bible provides several instances where anointing is associated with personal refreshment and well-being. In the book of Ruth, Naomi instructs Ruth to "wash and perfume yourself, and put on your best clothes" (Ruth 3:3) before approaching Boaz. This act of anointing was part of preparing oneself for a significant encounter, highlighting its role in personal care and presentation.

In the New Testament, Jesus acknowledges the customary practice of anointing as a sign of hospitality and care. In Luke 7:46, He remarks to Simon the Pharisee, "You did not anoint My head with oil, but she has anointed My feet with perfume." This indicates that anointing was a common courtesy extended to guests, serving both as a refreshment and a gesture of honor.

Symbolism and Significance

Anointing for refreshing the body also carried symbolic meanings. It was often associated with joy, celebration, and the presence of God's blessing. Psalm 23:5 beautifully illustrates this symbolism: "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows." Here, anointing signifies abundance and divine favor, enhancing the sense of refreshment and renewal.

Practical Application

The use of oil for anointing as a means of refreshment was not limited to personal grooming but extended to various social and religious contexts. It was a common practice during feasts and celebrations, where guests would be anointed as a sign of welcome and joy. This practice underscored the importance of hospitality and the care for one's guests, reflecting the values of community and fellowship.

Conclusion

Anointing for refreshing the body in biblical times was a multifaceted practice that combined elements of personal care, hospitality, and symbolic significance. It served as a means of physical refreshment and was deeply intertwined with the cultural and religious life of the people, reflecting broader themes of joy, honor, and divine blessing.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Chronicles 28:15
And the men which were expressed by name rose up, and took the captives, and with the spoil clothed all that were naked among them, and arrayed them, and shod them, and gave them to eat and to drink, and anointed them, and carried all the feeble of them on asses, and brought them to Jericho, the city of palm trees, to their brothers: then they returned to Samaria.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Concerning the Communion, or Participation of the Body and Blood ...
... and anointing of the sick with oil, for the reasons and ... [1187] They did eat for
refreshing the body ... Why the custom of supping in common was used among Christians ...
/.../proposition xiii concerning the communion.htm

Eucharistic Doctrine.
... upon the identity of the language used on the ... and at the same time strengthening
and refreshing the soul ... have (1) the res sacramenti,' the anointing of Christ ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/chapter vii eucharistic doctrine.htm

Fresh Supplies of Power.
... as the dew is to the earth"a daily refreshing of new ... at such times is just such as
Mr. Moody used, a fresh ... power is to one as a fresh act of anointing on His ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on power/fresh supplies of power.htm

The Sermon on the Mount.
... or on the housetop, but it is here used to indicate ... His words allude to the practice
of anointing. ... This was refreshing, and prevented many of the disease which ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xlii the sermon on the 5.htm

The Main Road --Experiences of Power and Privilege
... to find out that power, that thing that used to be ... special waiting on God, and the
fresh anointing by the ... of not being holy and sweet and pure and refreshing. ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on following the christ/2 the main roadexperiences of.htm

Philippians i. 1, 2
... by attending on him that laboreth in them, and refreshing and anointing him constantly ...
524] Diakonos, usually [translated] in EV "Minister," when thus used. ...
/.../homily i philippians i 1.htm

A Woman's Memorial
... forth flows a stream of the most precious ointment, with a very refreshing fragrance ...
What wonders they used to do ... This woman thought she was just anointing Christ ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/a womans memorial.htm

Life of Bunyan
... the merry peals with which they used to desecrate ... side of some high mountain, there
refreshing themselves with ... baptism, laying on of hands, anointing with oil ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hamilton/life of bunyan/life of bunyan.htm

A Discourse of Mercifulness
... This is like physic used in a desperate case and often ... light with it, but eye-salve,
anointing the eyes ... charity and then how welcome and refreshing would those ...
/.../15 a discourse of mercifulness.htm

The Oration on Holy Baptism.
... And so is the anointing of the doorposts, [4096] which ... and not for a short while
refreshing that baneful ... of Christ, [4168] from which the whole body is fitly ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xl the oration on.htm