The term "Anointed Ones" in the Bible refers to individuals who have been consecrated or set apart by God for a specific purpose or role, often through the ritual of anointing with oil. This concept is deeply rooted in the Old Testament and carries significant theological implications throughout the Scriptures.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, anointing was a common practice for consecrating priests, prophets, and kings. The Hebrew word for "anointed" is "mashiach," from which the term "Messiah" is derived. Anointing signified that the individual was chosen by God and endowed with His Spirit to fulfill a divine mission.

1. Priests: The anointing of priests is first detailed in the consecration of Aaron and his sons. Exodus 28:41 states, "After you put these clothes on your brother Aaron and his sons, anoint them, ordain them, and consecrate them, so they may serve Me as priests." This anointing set them apart for sacred duties in the Tabernacle and later the Temple.

2. Kings: The anointing of kings is another significant aspect. Saul, the first king of Israel, was anointed by the prophet Samuel as recorded in 1 Samuel 10:1 : "Then Samuel took a flask of oil, poured it on Saul’s head, kissed him, and said, 'Has not the LORD anointed you ruler over His inheritance?'" Similarly, David was anointed as king, signifying God's choice and blessing upon his reign (1 Samuel 16:13).

3. Prophets: Prophets were also anointed, though less frequently mentioned. Elijah was instructed to anoint Elisha as a prophet in his place (1 Kings 19:16).

Messianic Expectation

The concept of the Anointed One reaches its pinnacle in the expectation of the Messiah, a future king from the line of David who would deliver Israel and establish God's kingdom. This expectation is rooted in passages like Isaiah 61:1 , which prophesies, "The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor."

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is identified as the ultimate Anointed One, the Messiah. The Greek equivalent of "mashiach" is "Christos," from which the title "Christ" is derived. Jesus' anointing is not with oil but with the Holy Spirit, as seen in His baptism. Matthew 3:16 describes this event: "As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. Suddenly the heavens were opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and resting on Him."

Jesus Himself affirms His anointed mission in Luke 4:18-19 , quoting Isaiah: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon 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, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor."

Believers as Anointed Ones

In the New Testament, the concept of anointing extends to all believers, who are considered anointed by the Holy Spirit. 1 John 2:20 states, "You, however, have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth." This anointing signifies the believer's empowerment for service and understanding of spiritual truths.

Conclusion

The Anointed Ones in Scripture encompass a rich tapestry of individuals chosen by God for specific roles, culminating in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the ultimate Anointed One. Through Him, believers are also anointed, continuing the legacy of divine purpose and mission.