Smudging, or burning herbs for spiritual purposes, is a practice found in some cultures. But what does the Bible say about it? Scripture warns against relying on rituals or objects for spiritual power and instead points us to God as our source of strength and protection. Let’s explore this topic through a biblical lens.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Insomnia
What Does The Bible Say About Smudging
Exodus 30:22-26
“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Take the following fine spices: 500 shekels of liquid myrrh, half as much (that is, 250 shekels) of fragrant cinnamon, 250 shekels of fragrant calamus, 500 shekels of cassia—all according to the sanctuary shekel—and a hin of olive oil. Make these into a sacred anointing oil, a fragrant blend, the work of a perfumer. It will be the sacred anointing oil.’”
These verses speak of the sacred anointing oil that was used in the tabernacle and later the temple for the purpose of consecration. It serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking God’s anointing and presence in our lives.
Leviticus 8:10-13
“Then Moses took the anointing oil and anointed the tabernacle and everything in it, and so consecrated them. He sprinkled some of the oil on the altar seven times, anointing the altar and all its utensils and the basin with its stand, to consecrate them. He poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron’s head and anointed him to consecrate him. Then Moses brought Aaron’s sons forward, put tunics on them, tied sashes around them, and fastened caps on them, as the Lord commanded him.”
In this passage, Moses used the anointing oil to consecrate the tabernacle, its furnishings, the altar, and Aaron and his sons for their priestly duties. It demonstrates the importance of consecration and setting apart for God’s purposes.
Psalms 23:5
“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”
These words from Psalm 23 remind us of God’s provision and protection in the midst of adversity. The anointing oil symbolizes God’s favor and blessing, overflowing in abundance.
Psalms 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 imagery of the anointing oil being poured on Aaron, the high priest, to illustrate the unity and blessing that flows when God’s people dwell in unity.
Mark 6:7
“Calling the Twelve to him, he began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over impure spirits.”
In this verse, Jesus gives His disciples the authority to cast out demons. It shows that the power of the Holy Spirit enables believers to confront and overcome spiritual darkness.
Mark 16:17-18
“And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”
This passage highlights the supernatural signs that will follow believers who have faith in Jesus. It reminds us of the authority and power we have in Christ to confront spiritual opposition and bring healing to the sick.
Acts 1:8
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Jesus promised His disciples the power of the Holy Spirit to be His witnesses. It reminds us that the anointing of the Holy Spirit empowers us to share the gospel and impact the world around us.
Acts 2:1-4
“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”
These verses describe the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. The tongues of fire represent the anointing and empowering of the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to speak in different languages and boldly proclaim the gospel.
James 5:14-15
“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. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.”
This passage provides instructions for healing prayer in the context of anointing with oil. It emphasizes the role of faith, the power of prayer, and the healing touch of God in bringing physical and spiritual restoration.
1 John 2:20
“But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth.”
In this verse, John speaks to believers, acknowledging their anointing from the Holy Spirit. It reminds us that as believers, we have been chosen and equipped by God to know and live according to His truth.
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.”
Here, John assures the believers that the anointing they received from God is genuine and sufficient to teach them all things. It emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit as our guide and teacher in discerning truth.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.”
These verses remind believers that their bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, highlighting the need for consecration, holiness, and honoring God in all aspects of life.
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.”
In this passage, Paul emphasizes that believers have been anointed by God and have the Holy Spirit dwelling within them. It assures us of God’s ownership, His faithfulness, and the hope of future glory.
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.”
These words describe Jesus, the Messiah, being anointed with the oil of joy because of His righteousness and hatred for wickedness. It reminds us of the joy and honor that comes from living a life pleasing to God.
Hebrews 13:8
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
This verse emphasizes the unchanging nature of Jesus Christ. It reminds us that the power of His anointing and presence remains constant throughout time, offering hope and stability in an ever-changing world.
1 Peter 2:9
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
These words describe believers as a chosen people and a royal priesthood, emphasizing our special position and purpose in God’s kingdom. It reminds us of the privilege and responsibility of declaring His praises and living in the light of His truth.
Revelation 3:18
“I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.”
In this verse, Jesus counsels the church in Laodicea to acquire true spiritual riches. It symbolizes the need for purification, righteousness, and a renewed spiritual vision through the anointing of the Holy Spirit.
Revelation 7:3
“‘Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until we put a seal on the foreheads of the servants of our God.’”
This verse speaks of a seal that will be placed on the foreheads of God’s servants as a protection during times of judgment and tribulation. It symbolizes the anointing and divine protection bestowed upon believers.
Revelation 14:1
“Then I looked, and there before me was the Lamb, standing on Mount Zion, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads.”
This verse describes a group of 144,000 individuals who bear the name of the Lamb and the Father written on their foreheads. It symbolizes the chosen and anointed servants of God, set apart for His purposes.
Revelation 22:4
“They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.”
In this verse, it is described that those who are in the presence of God will see His face and bear His name on their foreheads. It signifies the intimacy, identification, and anointing that comes from being in a close relationship with the Lord.
Isaiah 61:1-3
“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, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.”
These verses foretell the mission of the Messiah, who is anointed by the Spirit of the Lord to bring good news, healing, freedom, and joy to those who are brokenhearted and captive. It reveals the compassionate and transformative power of God’s anointing in our lives.
Joel 2:28-29
“And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days.”
These verses are a prophecy of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on all people. It reveals that God’s anointing is not limited to a select few, but available to all who believe, enabling them to experience supernatural manifestations and divine communication.