The application of oil was associated with times of rejoicing and celebration. It also possessed a deeper significance, including that of being singled out by God for special favour or responsibilities.
God’s people in the OT 1Ch 16:22 Ps 105:15
The Spirit anoints God’s chosen people 2Sa 23:1-2
Anointing enables Christians to stand firm 2Co 1:21-22
Anointing guards Christians against falsehood 1Jn 2:20,27
Christian believers 2Co 1:21-22 Also see 1Jn 2:20,27 This anointing is not received in an outward ceremony but by sharing in the Holy Spirit’s anointing of Jesus Christ.
Jesus Christ as God’s Anointed One (the Messiah)
Ac 4:26-27 Jesus Christ’s receiving of the Holy Spirit at his baptism was his “anointing” for his Messianic work; Ac 10:38 Note the link between anointing and the Holy Spirit. Also see Da 9:25-26; Lk 4:18; Isa 61:1; Heb 1:9
Anointing as a social custom
In personal grooming Ecc 9:8 The associations here are of joy and well-being. Also See: Ru 3:3; Ps 92:10; Isa 57:9; Am 6:6; Mt 6:17
Anointing guests as a mark of honour Ps 23:5 See also Lk 7:36-39,44-47; Jn 12:3
Anointing corpses as a burial preparation Mk 16:1 Also see: Mt 26:6-12; Jn 19:38-40
Anointing religious objects
Ex 40:9-11 Anointed objects are set apart (consecrated), to be used only in the performance of religious ceremonies. Also see: Ge 28:18; Ex 30:22-33
Anointing people for office
Priests Ex 40:12-15 Also see: Lev 4:16; 21:10-12; 1Ch 29:22
Kings 1Ki 1:39 Also see: 1Sa 10:1; 16:12-13; 2Sa 5:3; 2Ki 11:12
A prophet 1Ki 19:15-16 the only reference to the anointing of a prophet
Anointing people for other purposes
For purification Lev 14:15-18
For healing Mk 6:13 It has been suggested that anointing in a healing context may be related to the use of oil for medicinal purposes. Also see: Jas 5:14
The figurative use of anointing
Anointing by God 1Sa 26:9 Israel’s king is frequently referred to as “the LORD’s anointed”. His physical anointing is seen as symbolising a divine anointing. The word “Messiah” literally means “the anointed one”; Isa 45:1 Cyrus, as God’s agent for a specific task, is referred to as “his anointed”. Also see: 2Sa 23:1; Ps 2:2; 45:2; 89:20; Eze 28:14
Lord Jesus, I believe you are the son of God, and you died for my sins and rose again from the dead, I trust you for cleansing and forgiveness, and you have received me as a Child of God. If there is any resentment or unforgiveness for anyone, I lay it at your feet and ask you to forgive me. I ask your forgiveness for being involved in other religions, witchcraft, or the occult seeking other gods. I acknowledge this as sin and loose myself right now in Jesus name. And now, Lord Jesus, I come to and yield my body, mind, and spirit to you. I give you my all. Come into my heart and be my personal Saviour. I surrender my tongue to you to be an instrument of righteousness to worship you in a new language. By faith, I receive it now, Lord in Jesus name. Amen.
