The concept of anointing in the Bible is rich with theological significance and historical context. Anointing, in its most basic sense, involves the application of oil to a person or object, symbolizing consecration, dedication, or empowerment by God. Throughout the Scriptures, various individuals are anointed for different purposes, each carrying profound implications for their roles and responsibilities within God's divine plan.
Anointing in the Old Testament
In the Old Testament, anointing was a common practice used to set apart individuals for specific roles, such as kings, priests, and prophets. The anointing oil itself was a sacred mixture, as described in Exodus 30:22-25:
"Take the finest spices: of liquid myrrh 500 shekels, and of sweet-smelling cinnamon half as much, that is, 250, and 250 of aromatic cane, and 500 of cassia, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, and a hin of olive oil. And you shall make of these a sacred anointing oil blended as by the perfumer; it shall be a holy anointing oil."
Kings
One of the most notable groups of anointed individuals in the Bible are the kings of Israel. The first king to be anointed was Saul, chosen by God and anointed by the prophet Samuel. In 1 Samuel 10:1, we read:
"Then Samuel took a flask of oil and poured it on his head and kissed him and said, 'Has not the Lord anointed you to be prince over his people Israel? And you shall reign over the people of the Lord and you will save them from the hand of their surrounding enemies.'"
Following Saul, David was also anointed by Samuel, as seen in 1 Samuel 16:13:
"Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day forward."
The anointing of David is particularly significant, as it not only marked his kingship but also established his lineage as the line through which the Messiah would come. David's anointing was a divine endorsement, setting him apart as a man after God's own heart (1 Samuel 13:14).
Priests
Priests, particularly the high priests, were also anointed. Aaron, the brother of Moses, was the first high priest, and his anointing is detailed in Exodus 29:7:
"You shall take the anointing oil and pour it on his head and anoint him."
This act of anointing signified Aaron's consecration to serve in the tabernacle, mediating between God and the people of Israel. The anointing of priests was a vital part of the sacrificial system, ensuring that those who approached God on behalf of the people were set apart and sanctified.
Prophets
Prophets, although less frequently anointed with oil, were still considered anointed by God in a spiritual sense. The prophet Elijah was instructed by God to anoint Elisha as his successor in 1 Kings 19:16:
"And Jehu the son of Nimshi you shall anoint to be king over Israel, and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah you shall anoint to be prophet in your place."
This anointing signified the transfer of prophetic authority and the continuation of God's revelation to His people through His chosen messengers.
Anointing in the New Testament
The New Testament continues the theme of anointing but expands its meaning and application, particularly through the person and work of Jesus Christ and the ministry of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus Christ
Jesus is the ultimate anointed one, the Messiah (Hebrew: Mashiach, Greek: Christos), which means "the Anointed One." His anointing was not with oil but with the Holy Spirit. At His baptism, the Holy Spirit descended upon Him like a dove, and a voice from heaven declared, "You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased" (Mark 1:11).
Jesus Himself proclaimed His anointing in Luke 4:18-19, quoting the prophet Isaiah:
"The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."
This declaration encapsulates the mission of Jesus: to bring salvation, healing, and freedom through the power of the Holy Spirit. His anointing is unique and unparalleled, as it signifies His divine nature and His role as the Savior of the world.
Believers
In the New Testament, the concept of anointing is extended to all believers. The Apostle Paul speaks of this in 2 Corinthians 1:21-22:
"And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee."
This passage highlights that all who are in Christ are anointed by God, signifying their inclusion in His redemptive plan and their empowerment by the Holy Spirit. The Apostle John also affirms this in 1 John 2:20:
"But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge."
This anointing by the Holy Spirit equips believers with spiritual discernment and the ability to live out their faith in accordance with God's will.
Anointing of the Sick
The practice of anointing the sick is specifically mentioned in the New Testament, particularly in the Epistle of James. In James 5:14-15, we read:
"Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven."
This instruction underscores the role of anointing as a means of invoking God's healing power and grace. It is a tangible expression of faith, where the oil symbolizes the presence and work of the Holy Spirit in bringing physical and spiritual restoration.
Theological Significance of Anointing
The act of anointing carries deep theological significance. It is a physical act that points to spiritual realities, symbolizing God's choice, empowerment, and sanctification of individuals for His purposes. Whether it is the anointing of kings, priests, prophets, Jesus Christ, or believers, the common thread is the divine initiative and the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Anointing also serves as a reminder of God's covenant faithfulness. For example, the anointing of David as king was a fulfillment of God's promise to establish a lasting dynasty through which the Messiah would come. Similarly, the anointing of Jesus as the Christ fulfills the Old Testament prophecies and inaugurates the new covenant, bringing salvation to all who believe.
In the life of believers, anointing signifies their identity in Christ and their participation in His mission. It is a source of encouragement and assurance, reminding them that they are set apart and empowered by the Holy Spirit to live out their faith and witness to the world.
Conclusion
The individuals anointed in the Bible, from kings like David to the ultimate Anointed One, Jesus Christ, and to believers today, reflect the multifaceted nature of God's redemptive work. Anointing is a powerful symbol of God's presence, choice, and empowerment, woven throughout the biblical narrative to reveal His purposes and promises. As we reflect on the anointed ones in Scripture, we are invited to recognize our own anointing in Christ and to live out our calling with faith and devotion.
