Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionSacred anointing in the Bible signifies a divine appointment and empowerment for a specific purpose or office. It is a ritual act that involves the application of oil, symbolizing the Holy Spirit's presence and blessing. Those who were anointed were often set apart for roles such as kings, priests, and prophets, and were under God's special protection. Anointing of Kings One of the most prominent examples of sacred anointing is the anointing of kings in Israel. Saul, the first king of Israel, was anointed by the prophet Samuel. "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?'" (1 Samuel 10:1). This anointing signified Saul's divine appointment as king and his role as the leader of God's people. David, the second king of Israel, was also anointed by Samuel. "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" (1 Samuel 16:13). David's anointing marked him as God's chosen king, and despite the challenges he faced, he was protected by God throughout his reign. Anointing of Priests The anointing of priests was another significant aspect of sacred anointing. Aaron and his sons were anointed to serve as priests, as described in Exodus 30:30: "Anoint Aaron and his sons and consecrate them to serve Me as priests" . This anointing set them apart for the holy service of ministering before God and interceding on behalf of the people. The anointing of priests was a sign of their sanctification and dedication to God's service. It also indicated that they were under God's protection as they performed their sacred duties. Anointing of Prophets Prophets were also recipients of sacred anointing, signifying their role as God's messengers. Elijah was instructed to anoint Elisha as his successor: "You are to anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel-meholah as prophet in your place" (1 Kings 19:16). This anointing empowered Elisha to carry on the prophetic ministry and to speak God's word to the people. Protection of the Anointed Those who were anointed by God were under His special protection. David, despite being pursued by King Saul, was repeatedly spared from harm. David himself recognized the sacredness of anointing, refusing to harm Saul, saying, "The LORD forbid that I should stretch out my hand against the LORD’s anointed" (1 Samuel 26:11). The anointing served as a divine seal, marking individuals as chosen by God and ensuring His protection over them. This protection was not merely physical but also spiritual, as the anointed were empowered to fulfill their God-given roles. Symbolism and Fulfillment in Christ The concept of sacred anointing finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the Anointed One, or Messiah. Jesus was anointed by the Holy Spirit at His baptism, as described in Matthew 3:16: "As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. Suddenly the heavens were opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and resting on Him" . This anointing signified His divine mission as Prophet, Priest, and King. In Christ, believers also partake in a spiritual anointing. The Apostle John writes, "But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth" (1 John 2:20). This anointing empowers Christians to live out their faith and assures them of God's protection and guidance. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Chronicles 16:22Saying, Touch not my anointed, and do my prophets no harm. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 105:15 Library The City of God. Index of Subjects. Resources What was the significance of anointing spices in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the significance of the anointed priest? | GotQuestions.org What is grave sucking / grave soaking / mantle grabbing? | 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 |
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