The term "The LORD's Anointed" is a significant biblical designation that appears throughout the Scriptures, primarily in the context of God's chosen leaders and, ultimately, in reference to the Messiah. The Hebrew word for "anointed" is "mashiach," from which the term "Messiah" is derived. In the Greek New Testament, the equivalent term is "Christos," translated as "Christ."

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, "The LORD's Anointed" often refers to kings who were consecrated to lead Israel. The anointing with oil symbolized the Holy Spirit's empowerment and God's selection of the individual for a specific role. The first explicit mention of an anointed king is Saul, whom Samuel anointed as the first king of Israel: "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?'" (1 Samuel 10:1).

David, the second king of Israel, is another prominent figure referred to as "The LORD's Anointed." Despite Saul's pursuit to kill him, David consistently refused to harm Saul, recognizing him as God's chosen: "But David said to Abishai, 'Do not destroy him, for who can lift a hand against the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless?'" (1 Samuel 26:9).

The concept of anointing extends beyond kingship to include priests and prophets, who were also anointed for their sacred duties. However, the kingly anointing is most closely associated with the messianic expectation.

Messianic Expectation

The Old Testament prophets foretold the coming of a future anointed one, a Messiah, who would establish God's kingdom and bring salvation to His people. Isaiah speaks of this anointed figure: "The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor" (Isaiah 61:1). This passage is later applied to Jesus Christ in the New Testament (Luke 4:18-21).

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, Jesus of Nazareth is identified as "The LORD's Anointed," fulfilling the messianic prophecies of the Old Testament. At His baptism, the Holy Spirit descended upon Him, signifying His anointing: "And a voice came from heaven: 'You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased'" (Mark 1:11). Jesus' anointing was not with oil but with the Holy Spirit, marking Him as the ultimate fulfillment of the messianic hope.

The apostle Peter, in his sermon at Pentecost, affirms Jesus as the anointed one: "God has raised this Jesus to life, to which we are all witnesses. Exalted, then, to the right hand of God, He has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear" (Acts 2:32-33).

Theological Significance

The anointing of Jesus as the Christ signifies His divine appointment and authority as Prophet, Priest, and King. As the ultimate Prophet, He reveals God's will; as the High Priest, He mediates between God and humanity; and as the King, He reigns over God's kingdom. The title "The LORD's Anointed" underscores Jesus' unique role in God's redemptive plan and His identity as the Savior of the world.

Throughout Scripture, the concept of "The LORD's Anointed" serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereign choice and the fulfillment of His promises through Jesus Christ, the Messiah.