Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical tradition, anointing with oil is a significant act that symbolizes consecration, sanctification, and the impartation of divine favor and authority. Those who were anointed were often set apart for specific roles and responsibilities within the community of God's people, such as kings, priests, and prophets. The act of anointing signified that the individual was chosen by God and endowed with His Spirit to fulfill a particular purpose.
Biblical FoundationThe concept of sacred anointing is deeply rooted in the Old Testament. The Hebrew word for anointing, "mashach," is used to describe the act of pouring or smearing oil on someone as a sign of their divine appointment. This practice is first seen in the anointing of Aaron and his sons as priests (
Exodus 28:41: "After you put these garments on your brother Aaron and his sons, anoint and ordain them. Consecrate them, so that they may serve Me as priests.").
Protection of the AnointedThe anointed individuals were considered to be under God's special protection. This is evident in the biblical injunction against harming or insulting those who have been anointed. In
1 Samuel 24:6, David refrains from harming King Saul, despite having the opportunity, because Saul was the Lord's anointed: "He said to his men, 'The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed, or lift my hand against him; for he is the LORD’s anointed.'"
Similarly, in
1 Chronicles 16:22 and
Psalm 105:15, the Lord warns against harming His anointed ones: "Do not touch My anointed ones; do no harm to My prophets." This divine mandate underscores the sacredness of the anointed and the seriousness with which God regards their protection.
New Testament ContinuationThe New Testament continues the theme of anointing, though it shifts the focus to the anointing of Jesus Christ and the spiritual anointing of believers. Jesus is recognized as the Anointed One, the Messiah, fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies. In
Luke 4:18, Jesus declares, "The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor."
Believers, too, are described as anointed by 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 spiritual anointing signifies the believer's consecration and empowerment for service in God's kingdom.
Respect and ReverenceThe biblical mandate to respect and not harm the anointed extends to all who are set apart by God. This principle calls for a deep reverence for those who serve in spiritual leadership and for all believers who carry the anointing of the Holy Spirit. The sacredness of anointing serves as a reminder of God's sovereign choice and the divine protection afforded to those who are called according to His purpose.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
1 Samuel 24:6And he said to his men, The LORD forbid that I should do this thing to my master, the LORD's anointed, to stretch forth my hand against him, seeing he is the anointed of the LORD.
Torrey's Topical Textbook1 Samuel 26:9
And David said to Abishai, Destroy him not: for who can stretch forth his hand against the LORD's anointed, and be guiltless?
Torrey's Topical Textbook
2 Samuel 1:14,15
And David said to him, How were you not afraid to stretch forth your hand to destroy the LORD's anointed?
Torrey's Topical Textbook
2 Samuel 19:21
But Abishai the son of Zeruiah answered and said, Shall not Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the LORD's anointed?
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Resources
What is the new anointing? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about anointing oil? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the anointing? What does it mean to be anointed? | GotQuestions.orgAnointing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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