7304 anointing
Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  7000 God's people  »  7300 Institutions and culture of OT  »  7304 anointing

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.

Anointing as a social custom

In personal grooming

Ecclesiastes 9:8 The associations here are of joy and well-being. See also Ruth 3:3; Psalm 92:10; Isaiah 57:9; Amos 6:6; Matthew 6:17

Anointing guests as a mark of honour

Psalm 23:5 See also Luke 7:36-39,44-47; John 12:3

Anointing corpses as a burial preparation

Mark 16:1 See also Matthew 26:6-12; John 19:38-40

Anointing religious objects

Exodus 40:9-11 Anointed objects are set apart (consecrated), to be used only in the performance of religious ceremonies. See also Genesis 28:18; Exodus 30:22-33

Anointing people for office

Priests

Exodus 40:12-15 See also Leviticus 4:16; Leviticus 21:10-12; 1 Chronicles 29:22

Kings

1 Kings 1:39 See also 1 Samuel 10:1; Samuel 16:12-13; 2 Samuel 5:3; 2 Kings 11:12

A prophet

1 Kings 19:15-16 the only reference to the anointing of a prophet

Anointing people for other purposes

For purification

Leviticus 14:15-18

For healing

Mark 6:13 It has been suggested that anointing in a healing context may be related to the use of oil for medicinal purposes. See also James 5:14

The figurative use of anointing

Anointing by God

1 Samuel 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” ; Isaiah 45:1 Cyrus, as God's agent for a specific task, is referred to as “his anointed”. See also 2 Samuel 23:1; Psalm 2:2; Psalm 45:2; Psalm 89:20; Ezekiel 28:14

God's people in the OT

1 Chronicles 16:22 pp Psalm 105:15

Christian believers

2 Corinthians 1:21-22 See also 1 John 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)

Acts 4:26-27 Jesus Christ's receiving of the Holy Spirit at his baptism was his “anointing” for his Messianic work ; Acts 10:38 Note the link between anointing and the Holy Spirit. See also Daniel 9:25-26; Luke 4:18; Isaiah 61:1; Hebrews 1:9

See also

1670  symbols
2206  Jesus, the Christ
2230  Messiah, coming of
3120  Holy Spirit, descriptions
3239  Holy Spirit, anointing
4488  oil
5333  healing
5368  kingship
7413  priesthood, OT
7745  ordination
8218  consecration
8266  holiness



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