Topical Encyclopedia AnointingAnointing, in biblical terms, refers to the practice of applying oil to a person or object as a symbol of consecration, sanctification, or divine empowerment. This ritual is deeply rooted in the traditions of the ancient Near East and holds significant theological and spiritual implications throughout the Scriptures. In the Old Testament, anointing was primarily associated with the consecration of priests, kings, and prophets. The first explicit mention of anointing is found in Genesis 28:18, where Jacob anoints a stone pillar as a sacred act of worship. The anointing of priests is detailed in Exodus 28:41, where God commands Moses, "You are to anoint them, ordain them, and consecrate them, so that they may serve Me as priests." This act set the priests apart for holy service, symbolizing their purification and dedication to God. Kings were also anointed as a sign of divine appointment and authority. The anointing of Saul as the first king of Israel is 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 by Samuel, marking him as God's chosen leader (1 Samuel 16:13). Prophets, too, were anointed, as seen in the case of Elisha, who was anointed by Elijah to succeed him (1 Kings 19:16). The anointing of prophets signified their role as God's messengers, empowered to speak His word to the people. In the New Testament, anointing takes on a more spiritual dimension. Jesus Christ is often referred to as "the Anointed One," or the Messiah, fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies. In Luke 4:18, Jesus declares, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor." This anointing by the Holy Spirit signifies His divine mission and authority. Believers in Christ are also anointed, as seen in 2 Corinthians 1:21-22: "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 anointing represents the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, empowering Christians for service and sanctifying them for God's purposes. Purpose The concept of purpose in the Bible is intricately linked to God's sovereign will and His divine plan for creation. Purpose is not merely a human endeavor but is rooted in the understanding that God has a specific plan for each individual and for humanity as a whole. In the Old Testament, the purpose of God's people, Israel, was to be a holy nation and a kingdom of priests, as stated in Exodus 19:6: "And unto Me you shall be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation." This purpose was to reflect God's character and to be a light to the nations, drawing others to the knowledge of the one true God. The New Testament expands on this theme, emphasizing the purpose of believers in Christ. Ephesians 2:10 states, "For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life." This verse highlights that believers are created with a divine purpose, to perform good works that align with God's will. The ultimate purpose of all creation is to glorify God. Isaiah 43:7 declares, "Everyone called by My name and created for My glory, whom I have indeed formed and made." This purpose is fulfilled through worship, obedience, and living a life that reflects God's love and righteousness. The Great Commission, found in Matthew 28:19-20, further defines the purpose of believers: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you." This mission underscores the call to spread the Gospel and to disciple others, fulfilling God's redemptive plan for the world. In summary, anointing and purpose are deeply interconnected in the biblical narrative, with anointing serving as a divine empowerment for individuals to fulfill their God-given purpose. Whether through the consecration of leaders in the Old Testament or the spiritual anointing of believers in the New Testament, these themes underscore the centrality of God's will and the call to live a life dedicated to His glory. Subtopics Anointing in Consecration of High Priests Anointing in Consecration of Kings Anointing in Consecration of Priests Anointing in Consecration of Prophets Anointing in Consecration of the Tabernacle Anointing in Consecration: Altars of Anointing in Consecration: Cyrus Anointing in Consecration: David Anointing in Consecration: Hazael Anointing in Consecration: Jacob's Pillar: At Beth-El Anointing in Consecration: Jehoahaz Anointing in Consecration: Jehu Anointing in Consecration: Joash Anointing in Consecration: Saul Anointing in Consecration: Solomon Anointing in Consecration: Vessels of Anointing of Christ's Kingly and Priestly office Anointing of Jesus, As a Token of Love Anointing of the Holy Spirit is Abiding in Saints Anointing of the Holy Spirit is from God Anointing of the Holy Spirit: God Preserves Those Who Receive Anointing of the Holy Spirit: Guides Into all Truth Anointing of the Holy Spirit: Saints Receive Anointing of the Holy Spirit: That Christ should Receive: Foretold Anointing of the Holy Spirit: That Christ should Receive: Fulfilled Anointing of the Holy Spirit: Typified Anointing Oil: Formula of, Given by Moses Anointing was Applied to The Eyes Anointing was Applied to The Face Anointing was Applied to The Feet Anointing was Applied to The Head Anointing was Used for Curing the Sick Anointing was Used for Decorating the Person Anointing was Used for Healing Wounds Anointing was Used for Preparing the Dead for Burial Anointing was Used for Preparing Weapons for War Anointing was Used for Purifying the Body Anointing was Used for Refreshing the Body Anointing was Used for The Jews Were Very Fond of Anointing: Deprivation of, Threatened As a Punishment Anointing: God Preserves Those Who Receive Anointing: Neglect of, to Guests, a Mark of Disrespect Anointing: Ointment For: An Article of Commerce Anointing: Ointment For: Most Expensive Anointing: Ointment For: Neglected in Times of Affliction Anointing: Ointment For: Prepared by the Apothecary Anointing: Ointment For: Richly Perfumed Anointing: Omitted in Mourning Anointing: Symbolical of Jesus Anointing: Why Recommended by Christ in Times of Fasting Sacred Anointing: Antiquity of Sacred Anointing: Consecrates to God's Service Sacred Anointing: Illustrative of the Anointing of Christ With the Holy Spirit Sacred Anointing: Illustrative of the Anointing of Saints With the Holy Spirit Sacred Anointing: Oil or Ointment For: An Holy Anointing Oil for Ever Sacred Anointing: Oil or Ointment For: Compounded by the Priests Sacred Anointing: Oil or Ointment For: Divinely Prescribed Sacred Anointing: Oil or Ointment For: Jews Condemned for Imitating Sacred Anointing: Oil or Ointment For: Not to be Imitated Sacred Anointing: Oil or Ointment For: To be Put on No Stranger Sacred Anointing: Persons Who Received: Kings Sacred Anointing: Persons Who Received: Priests Sacred Anointing: Persons Who Received: Prophets Sacred Anointing: Things Which Received: Brazen Altar Sacred Anointing: Things Which Received: Brazen Laver Sacred Anointing: Things Which Received: Tabernacle Sacred Anointing: Those Who Partook of not to be Injured or Insulted Sacred Anointing: Those Who Partook of Protected by God Related Terms |