Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical narrative, the anointing of kings is a significant act that signifies divine selection and empowerment for leadership over Israel. This practice is deeply rooted in the theological understanding that God is the ultimate sovereign, and earthly kings serve under His authority. The anointing of kings is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, highlighting God's direct involvement in the governance of His people.
Anointing as a Divine AppointmentThe concept of anointing in the Bible is closely associated with the Hebrew word "mashach," which means to smear or consecrate with oil. This act symbolizes the setting apart of an individual for a specific purpose ordained by God. In the context of kingship, anointing signifies God's choice and blessing upon the individual to lead His people.
Saul: The First Anointed KingThe first king of Israel, Saul, was anointed by the prophet Samuel. In
1 Samuel 10:1 , it is recorded: "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 anointing marked Saul as the chosen leader, although his reign would later be marred by disobedience to God's commands.
David: A Man After God's Own HeartDavid's anointing is a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative. Despite being the youngest son of Jesse, David was chosen by God to succeed Saul. In
1 Samuel 16:12-13 , it is written: "So Jesse sent for him. He was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the LORD said, 'Rise and anoint him, for he is the one.' 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." David's anointing signifies God's favor and the establishment of a covenantal dynasty through which the Messiah would eventually come.
Solomon: Anointed for Wisdom and PeaceSolomon, the son of David, was anointed king during David's lifetime to ensure a smooth transition of power. In
1 Kings 1:39 , it is recorded: "Zadok the priest took the horn of oil from the tabernacle and anointed Solomon. Then they blew the trumpet, and all the people proclaimed, 'Long live King Solomon!'" Solomon's anointing was accompanied by a divine grant of wisdom, enabling him to rule with discernment and justice.
The Role of Prophets in AnointingProphets played a crucial role in the anointing of kings, acting as God's representatives. Their involvement underscored the divine origin of the king's authority. Samuel, Nathan, and Elijah are notable prophets who anointed kings, ensuring that the leaders of Israel were chosen according to God's will.
Theological SignificanceThe anointing of kings in the Bible underscores the belief that true leadership is established by God. It serves as a reminder that earthly authority is accountable to divine authority. The anointing also foreshadows the ultimate anointed one, the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who is referred to as the "Anointed One" or "Christ" in the New Testament. This connection highlights the continuity of God's redemptive plan through the lineage of David.
ConclusionThe anointing of kings in the biblical narrative is a profound expression of God's sovereignty and His active role in guiding the history of His people. Through the anointing, God not only appoints leaders but also equips them with the necessary spiritual empowerment to fulfill their divine mandate.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
1 Samuel 16:12And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and with of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he.
Torrey's Topical Textbook2 Samuel 12:7
And Nathan said to David, You are the man. Thus said the LORD God of Israel, I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you out of the hand of Saul;
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Of the Things Pertaining to Christ and the Church, Said Either ...
... from the houses of ivory: out of which the daughters of kings have delighted ... and
ever, and that He is anointed by God, as God indeed anoints, not with a ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 16 of the things pertaining.htm
Sanctification
... king. I Kings 1:19. First God anoints us with the holy oil of his Spirit,
and then sets the crown of happiness upon our head. Pureness ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/5 sanctification.htm
Victor Emmanuel, Emancipator
... He will subdue nations before him, he will loose the loins of kings, to open ... Trembling
sinner, accept Christ as your Savior; God appoints him; God anoints him. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/victor emmanuel emancipator.htm
Who the Instructor Is, and Respecting his Instruction.
... the Persians; whom, in number four, the kings of the ... It was God, the Word, the
Instructor, who said to ... follows the righteous man, and how He anoints the athlete ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter vii who the instructor is.htm
Continuation of the Foregoing Argument Proofs from the Writings of ...
... And it is the Father who anoints, but the Son who is ... Father had revealed the Son
of the living God to him ... And ye shall stand before governors and kings for My ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xviii continuation of the foregoing.htm
The True Prophet: Why Called the Christ.
... there are certain names common to kings, as Arsaces ... things, He became man; Him first
God anointed with ... to the appointment of His Father, anoints with similar ...
/.../unknown/recognitions of clement /chapter xlv the true prophet why.htm
Christ with Chrism, Lo!
... the hand of His servants, seals and anoints your bodies. ... to Satan its savour is
overpowering; to God its odour ... the seal of life, that ensign of kings which has ...
/.../hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn iii christ with chrism.htm
On Confirmation
... they may receive the Holy Ghost, and anoints the forehead ... a few centuries ago nearly
all the kings, princes, and ... have to do what the Church and God require us ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 15 on confirmation.htm
The Second Commandment
... the sword should not depart from his house, yet he anoints himself ... much more to be
employed in his by whom kings reign.' To walk in God's commandments proves ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 2 the second commandment.htm
Letter Xli. St. Ambrose in this Letter to his Sister Continues the ...
... These feet he anoints with ointment, who imparts the kindness of ... I speak of the troops
of the five kings which were ... to be ready to walk with the Lord thy God? ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/letter xli st ambrose in.htm
Resources
What can we learn from the laws that God gave for the kings of Israel? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Elisha in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that God is the God of the hills and valleys (1 Kings 20:28)? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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