The concept of anointing appears frequently in the Bible, symbolizing God’s blessing, consecration, and empowerment. But what does it mean to be anointed, and how does it apply to believers today? Let’s take a look at what the Bible says about anointing and its significance in both the Old and New Testaments.
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What Does The Bible Say About the anointing
Exodus 30:30
“Anoint Aaron and his sons and consecrate them so they may serve me as priests.”
This verse speaks about the anointing of Aaron and his sons for the purpose of serving as priests in the tabernacle. The anointing represents their consecration and appointment by God for this holy responsibility. It signifies the set-apartness and empowerment they received to carry out their priestly duties.
1 Samuel 16:13
“So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon David.”
This verse describes the anointing of David by the prophet Samuel. It symbolizes God’s choice and favor upon David as the future king of Israel. The anointing with oil represents the pouring out of the Holy Spirit’s power and authority upon David, equipping him for the tasks ahead.
Psalm 23:5
“You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”
In this well-known psalm, the psalmist highlights the provision and abundance that comes from being anointed by God. The anointing with oil represents God’s blessing, favor, and overflowing goodness in the life of the believer. It symbolizes the complete satisfaction and joy found in a close relationship with God.
Isaiah 61:1
“The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.”
This prophetic verse foreshadows the coming of Jesus, who is the Anointed One sent by God. Jesus is anointed to bring good news, healing, freedom, and deliverance to those who are oppressed and in need. The anointing represents the empowerment of the Holy Spirit upon Jesus to fulfill His mission on earth.
Luke 4:18-19
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because He has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
Jesus quotes from the prophecy of Isaiah mentioned earlier to declare His identity and mission. The anointing upon Jesus signifies His divine authority and commission to bring salvation, spiritual healing, and release from bondage. It shows that Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of the promised Anointed One.
Acts 10:38
“…how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how He went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil because God was with Him.”
This verse recounts the anointing of Jesus by God with the Holy Spirit and power. It emphasizes the connection between the anointing and the supernatural works of Jesus. The anointing enabled Jesus to perform miracles, heal the sick, deliver people from demonic oppression, and reveal the presence and power of God.
James 5:14
“Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.”
This verse instructs believers to seek the help of church elders to pray and anoint the sick with oil. The anointing with oil, when done in faith and with the power and authority of the name of the Lord, symbolizes the act of consecration and dedication of the sick person to God for healing and restoration. It demonstrates the reliance on God’s power and intervention.
Hebrews 1:9
“You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.”
This verse speaks about the exalted status of Jesus, who is anointed with the oil of joy. The anointing symbolizes the supreme joy and gladness bestowed upon Jesus as a result of His righteousness and obedience. It signifies His elevated position and authority as the eternal King and the source of true joy for believers.
1 John 2:27
“As for you, the anointing you received from Him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as His anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—just as it has taught you, remain in Him.”
This verse speaks to believers, acknowledging the anointing they have received from God. The anointing represents the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, who guides, instructs, and empowers believers. It highlights the believer’s direct connection to God for spiritual understanding, leading, and growth, emphasizing the importance of remaining in a close relationship with Him.
2 Corinthians 1:21-22
“Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set His seal of ownership on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.”
This verse speaks about believers being anointed by God and sealed with His Spirit. The anointing signifies the divine empowerment and authorization for believers to stand firm in their faith and live according to the will of God. The sealing of the Holy Spirit represents the ownership and protection of believers, as well as the guarantee of their eternal inheritance in Christ.
Exodus 40:13-15
“Then dress Aaron in the sacred garments, anoint him and consecrate him so he may serve me as priest. Bring his sons and dress them in tunics. Anoint them just as you anointed their father, so they may serve me as priests. Their anointing will be to a priesthood that will continue throughout their generations.”
These verses emphasize the anointing of Aaron’s sons for their priestly service. The anointing represents the transfer of divine authority and responsibility from one generation to the next. It signifies the continuity and significance of the priesthood as a sacred calling and serves as a reminder of the importance of passing down spiritual heritage to future generations.
Psalm 133:2
“It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe.”
This verse uses the image of oil being poured on Aaron’s head and running down his beard and robe to depict the beauty and harmony of unity and fellowship among God’s people. The anointing with oil symbolizes the richness and blessing that come from dwelling together in unity, highlighting the importance of maintaining love, peace, and harmony in the body of Christ.
Leviticus 8:12
“He poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron’s head and anointed him to consecrate him.”
These verses describe the act of anointing Aaron for his consecration as a priest. The pouring of oil on Aaron’s head signifies the sanctification and setting apart of Aaron for his sacred role. It represents the inauguration of his priestly service and the divine commissioning he received to represent the people before God.
Psalm 2:2
“The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the LORD and against his anointed, saying,”
This verse speaks about the opposition and rebellion of earthly kings and rulers against God and His Anointed. The anointed here refers to God’s chosen and appointed leader, whether it be David, the kings of Israel, or ultimately Jesus as the Messiah. It highlights the resistance and rejection faced by God’s anointed ones throughout history and warns against challenging God’s authority.
Acts 4:26-27
“The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against His anointed one.’ Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed.”
This verse quotes from Psalm 2 to describe the collaboration between Herod, Pontius Pilate, and the people of Israel in opposing Jesus, the Anointed One of God. It emphasizes the fulfillment of the ancient prophetic words and demonstrates the extent of rejection and hostility Jesus faced as He carried out His redemptive mission.
1 Chronicles 16:22
“Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm.”
This verse emphasizes the divine protection and warning against harming God’s anointed ones, particularly His prophets. The anointed ones here refer to those specially chosen and appointed by God to carry out His purposes and proclaim His word. It serves as a reminder to honor and respect those whom God has anointed for His service.
Psalm 45:7
“You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.”
This verse speaks of the anointing received by the psalmist’s royal subject, who symbolizes the greater anointing and exaltation of Jesus, the promised Messiah and King. The anointing with the oil of joy represents the divine approval, joy, and honor bestowed upon Jesus for His righteousness and opposition to wickedness.
Psalm 28:8
“The LORD is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.”
This verse expresses the confidence and trust in God’s protection and deliverance for His anointed one. It acknowledges that God is the source of strength, salvation, and refuge for His chosen and appointed ones. It reminds believers that in times of trouble or opposition, God will be their stronghold and defender.
Isaiah 45:1
“This is what the LORD says to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I take hold of to subdue nations before him and to strip kings of their armor, to open doors before him so that gates will not be shut:”
In this verse, God addresses Cyrus, a foreign king, as His anointed. It shows that God can raise up and use even secular leaders for His purposes and to accomplish His plans. The anointing upon Cyrus signifies God’s empowerment and backing in his role as a conqueror and ruler for a specific purpose.
1 Samuel 10:1
“Then Samuel took a flask of olive oil and poured it on Saul’s head and kissed him, saying, ‘Has not the LORD anointed you ruler over his inheritance?’
This verse describes the anointing of Saul as king over Israel by the prophet Samuel. The pouring of oil on Saul’s head represents the divine selection and appointment of Saul as the leader and ruler of God’s people. It marks the beginning of his reign and symbolizes his consecration to fulfill the role of king.
Zechariah 4:14
“So he said, ‘These are the two who are anointed to serve the Lord of all the earth.’
This verse refers to Joshua the high priest and Zerubbabel the ruler as the two anointed ones who would serve the Lord in their respective capacities. The anointing represents their divine empowerment and qualification for their roles in leading and serving God’s people during the restoration of Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the temple.
1 Kings 19:16
“Also, anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet.”
In this verse, God instructs the prophet Elijah to anoint Jehu and Elisha for their appointed positions. The anointing signified their divine calling and authority. Jehu was anointed to become the king of Israel, and Elisha was anointed to succeed Elijah as a prophet, carrying on his ministry and continuing to speak God’s word to the people.
Psalm 45:6
“Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.”
This verse speaks of the eternal reign and kingdom of the Anointed One, who is addressed as God. It depicts the sovereignty, righteousness, and unlimited duration of His rule. The anointing signifies His divine authority and kingship, establishing Him as the ultimate ruler over all creation.
1 John 2:20
“But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth.”
This verse addresses believers, affirming that they have received an anointing from the Holy One, who is God. The anointing represents the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers, equipping them with spiritual discernment, understanding of truth, and intimacy with God. It assures believers of their connection to Christ and their ability to know and live out God’s truth.
1 Samuel 2:10
“Those who oppose the LORD will be broken. The Most High will thunder from heaven; the LORD will judge the ends of the earth. He will give strength to his king and exalt the horn of his anointed.”
This verse speaks of God’s judgment and victory over those who oppose Him. It emphasizes God’s support and empowerment of His anointed king, who represents His chosen leader. The anointing signifies the divine enablement and exaltation granted to the king, demonstrating God’s faithfulness in upholding and protecting His anointed one.
Psalm 105:15
“‘Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm.’
These verses warn against harming God’s anointed ones, particularly His prophets. The anointed ones and prophets are set apart and chosen by God for special assignments and responsibilities. The anointing signifies the divine authority and protection that surrounds them, reminding others not to oppose or mistreat those whom God has called to fulfill His purposes.
In conclusion, anointing in the Bible carries multiple meanings and represents various aspects of divine appointment, empowerment, consecration, protection, and favor. The anointing with oil symbolizes the pouring out of the Holy Spirit’s power and presence upon an individual. It signifies God’s selection, authorization, and equipping for specific roles and responsibilities, such as priesthood, kingship, prophetic ministry, and even the ministry of Jesus Himself. The anointing is not just limited to specific individuals in the Bible, but it extends to believers today who have received the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. It serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness, guidance, and empowerment in our lives as we seek to fulfill our own unique purposes and callings in His kingdom.
Personally, I have experienced the anointing of the Holy Spirit in my own life. There have been times when I felt a deep sense of peace, assurance, and supernatural enablement as I stepped out in faith and obedience to God’s leading. The anointing empowered me to overcome challenges, taught me to depend on God’s wisdom and strength, and opened doors of opportunity for ministry and service. It is a continual reminder that it is not by my own abilities or efforts but by the power of the Holy Spirit that I can accomplish anything worthwhile for the Kingdom of God.