Anointing in the Bible carries profound symbolic significance, representing consecration, sanctification, and the empowerment of individuals for divine service. The practice of anointing with oil is deeply rooted in the Old Testament and extends into the New Testament, symbolizing the Holy Spirit's presence and God's blessing.

In the Old Testament, anointing was primarily associated with the consecration of priests, kings, and prophets. Exodus 30:30 instructs, "Anoint Aaron and his sons and consecrate them to serve Me as priests." This act set them apart for sacred duties, signifying their dedication to God. Similarly, the anointing of kings, such as David by Samuel in 1 Samuel 16:13 , "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," marked their divine appointment and empowerment for leadership.

Anointing also symbolizes healing and restoration. James 5:14 states, "Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord." This practice reflects the belief in God's power to heal and restore through faith and prayer.

In the New Testament, anointing takes on a spiritual dimension, often associated with the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ, referred to as the "Anointed One" or "Messiah," embodies the ultimate fulfillment of anointing. Luke 4:18 records Jesus reading from Isaiah, "The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor." This passage highlights Jesus' divine mission and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.

Incense

Incense in the Bible is a powerful symbol of prayer, worship, and the presence of God. Its use in the tabernacle and temple rituals underscores its significance in the spiritual life of Israel.

In the Old Testament, incense was a key component of the sacrificial system. Exodus 30:7-8 describes the daily offering of incense by Aaron, "And Aaron is to burn fragrant incense on it every morning when he tends the lamps. When Aaron sets up the lamps at twilight, he must burn the incense perpetually before the LORD for the generations to come." This perpetual offering symbolizes the continuous prayers and worship of God's people ascending to Him.

The composition of the incense was specific and sacred, as outlined in Exodus 30:34-38 . The unique blend of spices was reserved solely for worship, emphasizing the holiness and reverence due to God. The burning of incense created a fragrant cloud, representing the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven, as seen in Psalm 141:2 , "May my prayer be set before You like incense, my uplifted hands like the evening offering."

In the New Testament, the symbolism of incense is further enriched. Revelation 5:8 depicts the heavenly scene where the prayers of the saints are symbolized by incense, "And when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints." This imagery underscores the belief that the prayers of believers are precious and continually presented before God.

The use of incense in biblical worship highlights the importance of prayer and the desire for a close relationship with God. It serves as a reminder of the divine presence and the call to holiness in the life of the believer.