Anoint in Biblical History

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Schaff's Bible Dictionary

Definitions in Biblical History
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What does it mean to Anoint?
ANOINT
Gen 31:13. The first biblical instance is in the passage cited, and it signifies in that connection the pouring of oil upon the stone which Jacob had set up for a pillar. Gen 28:18. The anointing of persons, places, and things with oil or ointment of a particular composition was a mode of consecration prescribed by divine authority, and extensively practised among the Hebrews. Ex 28:41. The ingredients of the ointment, embracing the most exquisite perfumes and balsams, are minutely given, Ex 30:23-33, and the common use of it was expressly forbidden. Ex 30:33. It was customary at festivals, and on other great and joyful occasions, to anoint the head with fragrant oil; hence it became a sign of joy or happiness; the omission of anointing was therefore a sign of grief. For instances see Ruth 3:3; 2 Sam 14:2; Ps 23:5; 92:10; Eccl 9:8; Matt 6:17. Prophets, 1 Kgs 19:16;1 Chr 16:22, priests, and kings were solemnly anointed, and thus set apart to their respective offices. Of the anointing of the latter we have frequent accounts. 2 Sam 19:10;1 Kgs 1:39; 1 Kgs 19:15, Ex 17:16. The perfumed oil or ointment was usually poured upon the head of the person. It was sometimes done privately by a prophet, 1 Sam 10:1;1 Sam 16:1-13; 1 Kgs 19:16; 2 Kgs 9:1-6, and was a symbolical intimation that the person so anointed would at some future day ascend the throne. After the monarchy was established the anointing was done by the priest, 1 Kgs 1:39, probably in some public place, 1 Kgs 1:32-34, and, at least on one occasion, in the temple, surrounded by the royal guards. 2 Kgs 11:12, 2 Kgs 11:13. David was anointed three times -- privately by Samuel before Saul's death, to give him a claim to the throne, 1 Sam 16:1-13; again publicly as king over Judah in Hebron, 2 Sam 2:4; and finally, over the whole nation. 2 Sam 5:3. In regard to the priest's anointing, at first it was part of the induction into office of any priest, Ex 40:15 ; Num 3:3, but afterward it was a rite practised only in the case of the high priest. Lev 8:12; Ps 133:2. It was common to anoint the person, or some part of it, as the head, feet, hair, etc., for the sake of health or cleanliness, or as a token of respect, and also in connection with religious observances. Mark 6:13; Luke 7:46; John 12:3. When practised to show respect, the most expensive materials were used, and the ceremony was performed in such a manner as to denote the most humble and submissive reverence. The anointing of the sick with oil was also common. The healing properties of oil are well known; and though the cures wrought by the disciples of our Lord were obviously miraculous, they still employed the ordinary means of cure. Mark 6:13. The apostolic direction, Jas 5:14, respecting the anointing of the sick shows us that, together with prayer, the appropriate means of healing should be employed in dependence upon or in the name of the Lord. The ceremony was not in its nature obligatory, and surely no sufficient warrant for the rite of "extreme unction." The bodies of the dead were often wrapped in spices and ointments to preserve them from corruption. Mark 14:8;Mark 16:1, and Luke 23:56. The terms "anoint," "anointed," and "anointing" are employed also spiritually to illustrate the sanctifying influences of divine grace upon the soul. 2 Cor 1:21;1 John 2:20,Gen 1:27. To anoint the eyes with eye-salve, Rev 3:18, is a figurative expression for the gift of spiritual illumination. The Anointed, or Messiah, who is constituted our High Priest and Intercessor, was anointed with the Holy Ghost, of which anointing that of the priests under the Jewish dispensation is supposed to be typical. Ps 45:7; Isa 61:1; Dan 9:24; Luke 4:18,Ezr 8:21; Acts 4:27 and Acts 10:38. See Messiah.

Bibliography Information
Schaff, Philip, Dr. "Biblical Definition for 'anoint' in Schaffs Bible Dictionary".
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