The practice of sacred anointing holds a venerable place within the biblical narrative, signifying consecration, sanctification, and the impartation of divine favor. Its origins can be traced back to the earliest books of the Old Testament, where it is established as a divinely ordained ritual.

Anointing in the Patriarchal Era

The concept of anointing appears in the patriarchal narratives, where it is associated with acts of dedication and covenant. In Genesis 28:18, Jacob anoints a stone pillar with oil, marking the place where God appeared to him in a dream. This act of anointing signifies the consecration of the site as Bethel, "the house of God," and underscores the sacredness of the encounter.

Anointing in the Mosaic Law

The formalization of anointing as a sacred rite is evident in the Mosaic Law, where it is prescribed for the consecration of priests and sacred objects. Exodus 30:22-30 provides detailed instructions for the preparation of the holy anointing oil, a blend of myrrh, cinnamon, calamus, cassia, and olive oil. This oil is used to anoint the Tabernacle, the Ark of the Covenant, and the priests, setting them apart for divine service. The anointing of Aaron and his sons as priests (Exodus 29:7) signifies their sanctification and empowerment for their priestly duties.

Anointing of Kings and Prophets

The anointing of individuals for leadership roles is a prominent theme in the historical books of the Old Testament. The prophet Samuel anoints Saul as the first king of Israel (1 Samuel 10:1), and later, David is anointed as Saul's successor (1 Samuel 16:13). This anointing symbolizes the bestowal of the Holy Spirit and divine authority upon the chosen leader. Similarly, prophets are sometimes anointed to signify their calling and mission, as seen in the anointing of Elisha by Elijah (1 Kings 19:16).

Symbolism and Significance

Sacred anointing carries profound symbolic meaning, representing the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. It is a tangible sign of God's selection and blessing, setting individuals and objects apart for His purposes. The anointing oil itself is considered holy, and its use is restricted to sacred contexts, as emphasized in Exodus 30:32-33, where it is forbidden for common use.

Messianic Implications

The term "Messiah" (Hebrew: Mashiach) means "anointed one," pointing to the ultimate fulfillment of sacred anointing in the person of Jesus Christ. The anticipation of a divinely anointed deliverer is woven throughout the Old Testament, culminating in the New Testament revelation of Jesus as the Christ, the Anointed One. In Luke 4:18, Jesus declares His anointing by the Spirit to preach good news, heal the brokenhearted, and proclaim liberty to captives, fulfilling the messianic prophecy of Isaiah 61:1.

Conclusion

The antiquity of sacred anointing in the biblical tradition underscores its enduring significance as a rite of consecration and divine empowerment. From the patriarchs to the prophets, priests, and kings, anointing serves as a powerful symbol of God's presence and purpose, ultimately finding its fulfillment in the anointing of Jesus Christ as the Savior and Redeemer.Genesis 28:18
And Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put for his pillows, and set it up for a pillar, and poured oil on the top of it.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 35:14
And Jacob set up a pillar in the place where he talked with him, even a pillar of stone: and he poured a drink offering thereon, and he poured oil thereon.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Anointed for Burial.
... feeling that he is entering upon the most tender, solemn and sacred portion of the
sacred story. ... It was the costliest anointing oil of antiquity, and was ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/anointed for burial.htm

The Jewish Institutions and Laws of Far Higher Antiquity than the ...
... after the sixty-two weeks the anointing shall be ... The Descent to Hades and the Sacred
Discourse were ... cycle are placed amongst those of most remote antiquity. ...
/.../the stromata or miscellanies/chapter xxi the jewish institutions and.htm

The Credibility of Scripture Sufficiently Proved in So Far as ...
... making it manifest that in the Sacred Volume there ... credit the Egyptians in carrying
back their antiquity to a ... Who dare say that his anointing was regulated by ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 8 the credibility of.htm

Causes of Corruption Chiefly Intentional.
... known,"that it was the only anointing those sacred ... it.' Such an exhibition of the
Sacred Text is ... with reference to continuity and antiquity it preponderates ...
/.../chapter xii causes of corruption.htm

Names and External Form of the Old Testament
... From Moses to the anointing of David is ... and make prophetic revelations concerning
it; the sacred Writings, occupied ... 5. In high antiquity, the continuous mode of ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xiii names and external.htm

Book 3 Footnotes
... from Jewish, and when from Gentile antiquity,"we can ... or at other proper periods of
his sacred ministrations there ... of Moses and Joshua to the anointing of Saul ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 3 footnotes.htm

The Seven Books of Arnobius Against the Heathen
... 28 What say ye, O interpreters of sacred and of ... are new; yours are ancient, and of
excessive antiquity? ... my opponent says, presides over the anointing of door ...
/.../arnobius/the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/

Of the Five Sacraments, Falsely So Called. Their Spuriousness ...
... But why obtrude antiquity, seeing that ancient writers, whenever they ... long procession,
bearing a dish of sacred oil. ... to me to mean no other anointing than that ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 19 of the five.htm

The Synoptists.
... has no parallel in secular or sacred histories or ... Why should he ignore the touching
anointing scene in ... he makes the impression of primitive antiquity, and his ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 79 the synoptists.htm

The City of God. Index of Subjects.
... writings, on account of their great antiquity, [254]383 ... Chickens, the sacred, and
the treaty of Numantia, [281]58 ... young woman freed from a, by anointing, [520]488 ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books /the city of god index.htm

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