Topical Bible: Head: Often Anointed

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, the anointing of the head held significant spiritual and cultural importance. Anointing, typically with oil, symbolized consecration, blessing, and the presence of the Holy Spirit. The practice is deeply rooted in the traditions of the Israelites and is frequently mentioned throughout the Scriptures.

Anointing of Kings and Priests

The anointing of the head was a critical rite in the consecration of kings and priests. In 1 Samuel 10:1, the prophet Samuel anoints Saul as king over Israel: "Then Samuel took a flask of oil, poured it on Saul’s head, kissed him, and said, 'Has not the LORD anointed you ruler over His inheritance?'" This act signified Saul's divine appointment and empowerment by God to lead His people.

Similarly, the anointing of priests is described in Exodus 29:7, where God instructs Moses, "Take the anointing oil and anoint him by pouring it on his head." This consecration set the priests apart for holy service, marking them as chosen vessels for God's work.

Symbol of Blessing and Hospitality

Anointing the head also served as a gesture of blessing and hospitality. In Psalm 23:5, David reflects on God's abundant provision and care: "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows." Here, the anointing signifies God's favor and the overflowing blessings bestowed upon the psalmist.

In the New Testament, Jesus highlights the neglect of this custom in Luke 7:46, when He rebukes Simon the Pharisee: "You did not anoint My head with oil, but she has anointed My feet with perfume." This passage underscores the cultural expectation of anointing as a sign of respect and honor.

Spiritual Significance

The anointing of the head carries profound spiritual implications, often representing the Holy Spirit's presence and empowerment. In Isaiah 61:1, the prophet declares, "The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor." This verse, later quoted by Jesus in Luke 4:18, emphasizes the anointing as a divine commissioning for ministry and service.

Furthermore, the anointing of Jesus by Mary of Bethany in John 12:3 serves as a prophetic act, foreshadowing His burial and acknowledging His messianic role. "Then Mary took about a pint of expensive perfume, made of pure nard, and she anointed Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume."

Conclusion

The anointing of the head in biblical tradition is a multifaceted practice, rich with symbolism and meaning. It signifies divine selection, blessing, and the presence of the Holy Spirit, playing a crucial role in the religious and cultural life of the biblical narrative.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ecclesiastes 9:8
Let your garments be always white; and let your head lack no ointment.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 6:17
But you, when you fast, anoint your head, and wash your face;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Anointed for Burial.
... custom to the highest point of honor when the head and the feet were alike anointed
with oil ... This was Sunday, often called Palm Sunday, because on this day ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/anointed for burial.htm

On Extreme Unction and Holy Orders
... we are sufficiently ill to be anointed"when there ... much a wreath or crown of hair
encircling the head. You often see them thus represented in holy pictures. ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 25 on extreme unction.htm

Jesus' Feet Anointed in the House of a Pharisee.
... feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head, and kissed his feet,
and anointed them with ... [It was Jesus' custom to thus often draw his ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xlvi jesus feet anointed in.htm

Chapter xii.
... on this account, because pretenders also too often assume that ... But ye, when ye fast,
anoint your head, and wash ... ought also to have our heads anointed when we ...
/.../augustine/our lords sermon on the mount/chapter xii 2.htm

Among the People, and with the Pharisees
... about the whole person, and covering the head; while the ... were greatly in vogue, and
often most expensive ... the face, even garlands worn at feasts, were anointed. ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 13 among the people.htm

The Dove of God
... Him to be the Son of God, anointed Messias, King ... just as He afterwards bowed His
head to a ... to our limited partial reception, broken and interrupted so often! ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the dove of god.htm

The Embalming of the Body of Jesus.
... The head, bosom, and feet of our Lord were now ... She also anointed the hair, and then,
taking the sacred ... again washed them with her tears, and often pressed her ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter li the embalming of.htm

The Two Debtors.
... My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but ... four Evangelists narrates that a woman
anointed Jesus while ... mention, that this question has been often discussed in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/xvi the two debtors.htm

Thirtieth Day. The Unction from the Holy One.
... anointest my head;' 'I am anointed with fresh oil.'. I desire to confess with deep
shame that Thy Spirit has been sorely grieved and dishonoured. How often the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/murray/holy in christ/thirtieth day the unction from.htm

The Cruse of Ointment
... body, as the others of the anointing of the head. ... She had anointed His body beforehand
for the burial, and ... Alas, how often do our shrewd calculations and harsh ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 14 1-9 the cruse of.htm