Anointing oil in Scripture was a sacred substance used for consecration, healing, and worship. It symbolized the Holy Spirit, divine favor, and sanctification. The first and most detailed instruction for its use is found in Exodus 30:22-25, where God commands Moses to make a holy anointing oil with specific spices: myrrh, cinnamon, calamus, cassia, and olive oil. It was to be used to consecrate the tabernacle, the ark, and the priests.
Exodus 30:30 says, “And you shall anoint Aaron and his sons, and consecrate them, that they may minister to Me as priests.” This anointing set people and objects apart for holy service. It was not to be used for common purposes or placed on unauthorized individuals (Exodus 30:32-33), emphasizing its sacred character.
Kings and prophets were also anointed as a sign of divine appointment. Samuel anointed Saul as the first king of Israel (1 Samuel 10:1) and later David (1 Samuel 16:13), after which “the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward.”
Anointing oil was sometimes used for healing. Mark 6:13 says the disciples “anointed with oil many who were sick, and healed them.” James 5:14 instructs, “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.”
The oil always pointed to something beyond itself, it symbolized the presence and work of the Holy Spirit. Psalm 133:2 compares unity among brethren to the precious oil poured on Aaron’s head, flowing down his garments, showing that anointing is a fragrant blessing that descends from God.
Ultimately, Jesus is the Anointed One, the Christ (Luke 4:18), and all believers, in Him, are anointed by the Spirit for service and sanctification (1 John 2:20, 27).
