Topical Encyclopedia The practice of sacred anointing in the Bible is a significant ritual that symbolizes consecration, sanctification, and the setting apart of people, places, and objects for divine purposes. Among the various things that received anointing, the Tabernacle holds a prominent place in the biblical narrative. The Tabernacle, also known as the Tent of Meeting, was the portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their wanderings in the wilderness, serving as the dwelling place of God among His people.Biblical Foundation The anointing of the Tabernacle is detailed in the Book of Exodus, where God provides Moses with specific instructions for its construction and consecration. In Exodus 30:26-29 , God commands Moses to anoint the Tabernacle and all its furnishings: "With it you are to anoint the Tent of Meeting, the Ark of the Testimony, the table and all its utensils, the lampstand and its utensils, the altar of incense, the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, and the basin with its stand. You are to consecrate them so that they will be most holy. Whatever touches them will be holy." This passage underscores the importance of anointing as a means of sanctifying the Tabernacle and its contents, setting them apart as "most holy" and dedicated to the service of God. The anointing oil, a sacred blend of spices and olive oil, was used exclusively for this purpose, emphasizing the unique and divine nature of the Tabernacle. Symbolism and Significance The anointing of the Tabernacle symbolizes God's presence and His covenant with the Israelites. By anointing the Tabernacle, Moses was not only following divine instructions but also acknowledging the Tabernacle as the earthly representation of God's heavenly dwelling. The act of anointing signified that the Tabernacle was a sacred space where God would meet with His people, hear their prayers, and accept their offerings. Furthermore, the anointing of the Tabernacle and its furnishings served as a reminder of the holiness required in approaching God. The consecration of these objects highlighted the need for purity and reverence in worship, as anything that touched the anointed items would also become holy. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, the anointing of the Tabernacle prefigures the anointing of Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers. Just as the Tabernacle was anointed and set apart for God's presence, so too was Jesus anointed as the Messiah, the ultimate dwelling place of God among humanity. In the New Testament, believers are described as temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), anointed and set apart for God's purposes. The anointing of the Tabernacle thus serves as a profound illustration of God's desire to dwell among His people and the transformative power of His presence. It calls believers to a life of holiness, consecration, and devotion, reflecting the sacredness of their relationship with God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 30:26,27And you shall anoint the tabernacle of the congregation therewith, and the ark of the testimony, Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 40:9 Library The Copies of Things in the Heavens Joy Born at Bethlehem Folly of the Arguments Derived by the Heretics from Numbers ... Princely Service. Of the Origin of the Word "With," and what Force it Has. Also ... Whether There Can be any Suitable Cause for the Sacraments of the ... Of the Five Sacraments, Falsely So Called. Their Spuriousness ... The Ministry and Prayer Our Lord's Prayer for his People's Sanctification The Credibility of Scripture Sufficiently Proved in So Far as ... Resources What is extreme unction / last rites? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of the olive tree in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was Gideon in the Bible? | 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 |