Topical Encyclopedia Sacred anointing is a significant biblical practice that symbolizes consecration to God's service. This ritual involves the application of oil, often olive oil, to a person or object, setting them apart for a holy purpose. Anointing is deeply rooted in the traditions of the Old Testament and carries profound spiritual significance throughout the Scriptures.Old Testament Foundations The practice of anointing is first introduced in the Old Testament, where it is primarily associated with the consecration of priests, kings, and sacred objects. In Exodus 30:22-30, God instructs Moses to prepare a holy anointing oil, composed of myrrh, cinnamon, calamus, cassia, and olive oil. This oil is used to anoint the Tabernacle, the Ark of the Covenant, and all its furnishings, as well as Aaron and his sons, consecrating them as priests. The Lord commands, "You are to consecrate them so that they will be most holy. Whatever touches them will be holy" (Exodus 30:29). Anointing also signifies the divine appointment of kings. Samuel anoints Saul as the first king of Israel, saying, "Has not the LORD anointed you ruler over His inheritance?" (1 Samuel 10:1). Later, David is anointed by Samuel, marking him as God's chosen king (1 Samuel 16:13). This act of anointing signifies God's selection and empowerment for leadership. Symbolism and Spiritual Significance Anointing with oil symbolizes the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. 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 passage, later quoted by Jesus in Luke 4:18, highlights the anointing as a sign of divine commissioning and empowerment for ministry. The sacred anointing also represents purification and sanctification. In Leviticus 8:10-12, Moses anoints the Tabernacle and Aaron, signifying their purification and readiness for service. The anointing oil, therefore, becomes a symbol of holiness and dedication to God. New Testament Fulfillment In the New Testament, the concept of anointing is fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ, whose title "Christ" means "Anointed One." Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of the anointed prophet, priest, and king. Acts 10:38 states, "God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power." His anointing signifies His divine mission and authority. Believers in Christ are also anointed, as seen in 2 Corinthians 1:21-22: "Now it is God who establishes both us and you in Christ. He anointed us, placed His seal on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a pledge of what is to come." This anointing signifies the believer's consecration to God's service and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. Practical Applications In contemporary Christian practice, anointing with oil is often used in various sacramental and healing contexts. James 5:14-15 instructs, "Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord." This practice underscores the continued belief in the power of anointing as a means of invoking God's presence and healing. Sacred anointing remains a powerful symbol of consecration, divine appointment, and the presence of the Holy Spirit, continuing to hold a place of reverence and significance in the life of the Church. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 30:29And you shall sanctify them, that they may be most holy: whatever touches them shall be holy. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Matt. Ix. 27-30. part ii English Version of the Second Helvetic Confession, AD 1566. Resources What is the new anointing? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about anointing oil? | GotQuestions.org What is the anointing? What does it mean to be anointed? | GotQuestions.org Anointing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Anointing in Consecration of High Priests Anointing in Consecration of Kings Anointing in Consecration of Priests Anointing in Consecration of Prophets Anointing in Consecration of the Tabernacle Anointing in Consecration: Altars of Anointing in Consecration: Cyrus Anointing in Consecration: David Anointing in Consecration: Hazael Anointing in Consecration: Jacob's Pillar: At Beth-El Anointing in Consecration: Jehoahaz Anointing in Consecration: Jehu Anointing in Consecration: Joash Anointing in Consecration: Saul Anointing in Consecration: Solomon Anointing in Consecration: Vessels of Anointing of Christ's Kingly and Priestly office Anointing of Jesus, As a Token of Love Anointing of the Holy Spirit is Abiding in Saints Anointing of the Holy Spirit is from God Anointing of the Holy Spirit: God Preserves Those Who Receive Anointing of the Holy Spirit: Guides Into all Truth Anointing of the Holy Spirit: Saints Receive Anointing of the Holy Spirit: That Christ should Receive: Foretold Anointing of the Holy Spirit: That Christ should Receive: Fulfilled Anointing of the Holy Spirit: Typified Anointing Oil: Formula of, Given by Moses Anointing was Applied to The Eyes Anointing was Applied to The Face Anointing was Applied to The Feet Anointing was Applied to The Head Anointing was Used for Curing the Sick Anointing was Used for Decorating the Person Anointing was Used for Healing Wounds Anointing was Used for Preparing the Dead for Burial Anointing was Used for Preparing Weapons for War Anointing was Used for Purifying the Body Anointing was Used for Refreshing the Body Anointing was Used for The Jews Were Very Fond of Anointing: Deprivation of, Threatened As a Punishment Anointing: God Preserves Those Who Receive Anointing: Neglect of, to Guests, a Mark of Disrespect Anointing: Ointment For: An Article of Commerce Anointing: Ointment For: Most Expensive Anointing: Ointment For: Neglected in Times of Affliction Anointing: Ointment For: Prepared by the Apothecary Anointing: Ointment For: Richly Perfumed Anointing: Omitted in Mourning Anointing: Symbolical of Jesus Anointing: Why Recommended by Christ in Times of Fasting Sacred Anointing: Antiquity of Sacred Anointing: Consecrates to God's Service Sacred Anointing: Illustrative of the Anointing of Christ With the Holy Spirit Sacred Anointing: Illustrative of the Anointing of Saints With the Holy Spirit Sacred Anointing: Oil or Ointment For: An Holy Anointing Oil for Ever Sacred Anointing: Oil or Ointment For: Compounded by the Priests Sacred Anointing: Oil or Ointment For: Divinely Prescribed Sacred Anointing: Oil or Ointment For: Jews Condemned for Imitating Sacred Anointing: Oil or Ointment For: Not to be Imitated Sacred Anointing: Oil or Ointment For: To be Put on No Stranger Sacred Anointing: Persons Who Received: Kings Sacred Anointing: Persons Who Received: Priests Sacred Anointing: Persons Who Received: Prophets Sacred Anointing: Things Which Received: Brazen Altar Sacred Anointing: Things Which Received: Brazen Laver Sacred Anointing: Things Which Received: Tabernacle Sacred Anointing: Those Who Partook of not to be Injured or Insulted Sacred Anointing: Those Who Partook of Protected by God Related Terms |