Topical Bible: Anointing was Used for The Jews Were Very Fond of

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Topical Encyclopedia

Anointing, a significant ritual in ancient Jewish culture, held profound religious, cultural, and social implications. The practice involved the application of oil, often olive oil, to a person or object, symbolizing consecration, sanctification, or blessing. The Jews, deeply fond of this practice, integrated anointing into various aspects of their lives, as evidenced throughout the Scriptures.

Religious Significance

Anointing was primarily associated with the consecration of individuals to sacred offices. The most notable examples include the anointing of priests, kings, and prophets. In Exodus 30:30, God commands Moses, "Anoint Aaron and his sons and consecrate them to serve Me as priests." This act set the priests apart for holy service, signifying their dedication to God.

Kings were also anointed as a sign of divine appointment and authority. The anointing of David by the prophet Samuel is a prominent example. In 1 Samuel 16:13, it is recorded, "So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward." This anointing marked David as God's chosen king, setting him apart for leadership over Israel.

Prophets, too, were sometimes anointed, as seen in the case of Elisha. In 1 Kings 19:16, God instructs Elijah, "Anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel-meholah to succeed you as prophet." This act symbolized the transfer of prophetic authority and the continuation of God's work through His chosen servants.

Cultural and Social Practices

Beyond religious functions, anointing was a common cultural practice among the Jews, often associated with hospitality, health, and personal grooming. In the context of hospitality, anointing a guest's head with oil was a sign of honor and welcome. Psalm 23:5 reflects this custom: "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows."

Anointing also had medicinal purposes. Oil was used for its soothing and healing properties, as seen in the parable of the Good Samaritan. In Luke 10:34, the Samaritan "went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine." This illustrates the practical use of oil in treating injuries and promoting healing.

Furthermore, anointing was part of personal grooming and care. In Matthew 6:17, Jesus advises, "But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face," indicating that anointing was a regular part of maintaining one's appearance and hygiene.

Symbolic and Messianic Implications

Anointing carried deep symbolic meaning, often representing the presence and empowerment of the Holy Spirit. This symbolism is most profoundly fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, whose very title, "Christ," means "Anointed One." In Luke 4:18, Jesus declares, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor." This proclamation identifies Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of the anointed roles of prophet, priest, and king.

The practice of anointing, cherished by the Jews, thus permeates the biblical narrative, reflecting its multifaceted significance in religious, cultural, and symbolic contexts.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 27:9
Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so does the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Amos 6:6
That drink wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with the chief ointments: but they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Jesus' Feet Anointed in the House of a Pharisee.
... The anointing at Bethany was therefore a different occasion ... Romans reclined on couches,
and the Jews, after the ... the definite article "the" is used before the ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xlvi jesus feet anointed in.htm

Psalm LXXIV.
... Where the Anointing? ... As though the nation of the Jews were as it were dry land severed
from ... for sometimes also in a secondary sense torrent is used for river ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxiv.htm

The Women of the Gospel Narrative the Study of the Early Christian ...
... Jose a "Galilean Ignoramus," because he had used two unnecessary ... The Jews at the
time of Christ were wont ... which follows the account of her anointing the Lord's ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/i the women of the.htm

The Spirit and Power of Elias.
... has followed; for you remember that Buddha used to say ... to explain that this Jesus,
whom the Jews had delivered ... this, there is a power, an anointing, a gracious ...
//christianbookshelf.org/meyer/john the baptist/xvii the spirit and power.htm

The Deputation from Jerusalem - the Three Sects of the Pharisees ...
... We can scarcely wonder that such Jews as Josephus and Philo, and ... 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

Psalm XLV.
... What is the meaning of that anointing of a stone ... That they did not "see." The Jews
saw Him, and crucified ... that very blood, which all these things used to figure ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xlv.htm

Go in Peace
... the subsequent continual kissing of them, and anointing of them ... See the black looks
of those Jews, those Pharisees ... is not like the same woman that she used to be ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 48 1902/go in peace.htm

The Romance of M. Renan. By Napoleon Roussel.
... to use guile""such are the means used by the ... adduces the vindication of Mary's act
in anointing him for ... Apostles were no more than poor Jews, simple country ...
/.../the romance of m renan and the christ of the gospels/the romance of m renan.htm

A Discourse of Mercifulness
... This is like physic used in a desperate case and ... brings light with it, but eye-salve,
anointing the eyes to ... perpetual tithe (Numbers 18:21), the Jews set apart ...
/.../15 a discourse of mercifulness.htm

Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ...
... at other times He spoke openly to the Jews, who in ... As regards nature, he used the
women not for sensual ... had the fleshly motherhood, the wives were mothers in ...
/.../faustus states his objections to.htm