Dictionary of Bible Themes: 7304 anointing

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

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