The concepts of establishment and anointing by God are deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, reflecting God's sovereign choice and empowerment of individuals for specific roles and purposes within His divine plan. These themes are prevalent throughout both the Old and New Testaments, illustrating how God sets apart and equips His chosen servants.

Establishment by God

The idea of establishment by God refers to the divine act of setting someone in a particular position or role, often accompanied by a sense of divine approval and authority. This is seen in the lives of key biblical figures who were established by God to fulfill His purposes.

In the Old Testament, the establishment of kings is a prominent theme. For instance, God established David as king over Israel, as seen in 2 Samuel 7:12-13 : "When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. He will build a house for My Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever." This promise not only established David's rule but also pointed to the future Messianic kingdom.

The establishment of leaders is not limited to kingship. Prophets, judges, and priests were also established by God for their respective roles. For example, Jeremiah was established as a prophet to the nations, as God declared in Jeremiah 1:5 : "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as a prophet to the nations."

Anointing by God

Anointing in the biblical context signifies the act of consecration and empowerment by God, often through the symbolic use of oil. It represents the Holy Spirit's presence and the divine enablement to carry out God's work.

The anointing of kings is a significant aspect of the Old Testament. Samuel anointed Saul and later David as kings over Israel, marking them as God's chosen leaders. In 1 Samuel 16:13 , it is recorded: "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."

Anointing is not limited to kings; it extends to priests and prophets as well. Aaron and his sons were anointed as priests, as described in Exodus 28:41 : "After you put these garments on your brother Aaron and his sons, anoint them, consecrate them, and sanctify them, so that they may serve Me as priests."

In the New Testament, the anointing takes on a broader spiritual significance. Jesus Christ, the Anointed One (Messiah), fulfills the ultimate role of the anointed King, Prophet, and Priest. In Luke 4:18 , Jesus reads from the scroll of Isaiah, declaring, "The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed."

Believers in Christ are also recipients of God's anointing through the Holy Spirit. In 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 , Paul writes, "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 empowers Christians to live out their faith and fulfill their God-given callings.

In summary, establishment and anointing by God are integral to understanding how God chooses, empowers, and sets apart individuals for His divine purposes. These acts underscore God's sovereignty and the vital role of the Holy Spirit in equipping His people for service.