WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF ANOINTING OIL?

Throughout both the Old and the New Testaments, anointing oil is frequently mentioned. In spite of the fact that anointing oil itself is not magical, applying it represents your faith in God and His ability to purify and make things holy.

Why does a symbolic element matter, and isn't anointing oil just something church leaders need, you may ask.

HOLY ANOINTING OIL IN THE OLD TESTAMENT

Made of five specific ingredients (more on that later!), anointing oil was used to sanctify and set the anointed person or object apart as qodesh, or "holy” (Exodus 30:29).

In the beginning, oil was used exclusively for priests and for setting apart the articles in the Tabernacle, but its use was later extended to kings (I Samuel 10:1).

When God selected David as Israel's next king, the prophet Samuel anointed him with oil (1 Samuel 16).

OIL REPRESENTS THE PRESENCE AND POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Oil was an essential cultural symbol in the Old Testament. Although anointing oil was merely a tool for a ceremony, it foreshadowed the work of the Holy Spirit that was to come in New Testament times.

The real power of this tool comes from God, as it does with all other spiritual tools. Simply put, anointing oil is a symbol of the Holy Spirit coming upon us to heal, empower and bless.

IS ANOINTING OIL STILL APPLICABLE IN MODERN TIMES?

The answer to this question is a resounding yes! We continue to anoint and appoint people and pray for the sick.

It is recorded that Jesus and His disciples anointed and healed people on many occasions. Mark 6:13 states, "And they cast out many demons and anointed with oil those who were sick, and they were healed." 

In James 5:14, a very familiar passage, it says 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.

IS IT JUST FOR LEADERS?

Throughout the Old Testament, it was the priests and prophets who anointed people and things. But in the New Testament, there is an extension to that definition, as according to 1 Peter 2:9 we are all priests.

However, you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim His praises, who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9

Additionally, we all hold leadership positions in different capacities. It is important to keep in mind that anointing oil is not a mystical process; it is a tool for you and a symbol of your faith in God. No matter how small or large the position of leadership is, use it!

WHAT OTHER LESSONS DOES ANOINTING OIL HOLD FOR US?

Anointing oil was made up of five ingredients in Exodus 30: myrrh, cinnamon, calamus, cassia, and olive oil. Today, there are many anointing oils available that do not adhere strictly to the original recipe. The Bible mentions frankincense frequently as another spice.

In analyzing the ingredients of the anointing oil, however, we should instead focus on the uniqueness of each spice rather than its specific accuracy. Taken together, it’s almost like a recipe to show us how to live an anointed life!

1. Myrrh was a bitter embalming fluid also used as a purifier and signifies a purified life and death to our old man (Rom 6:6). A life anointed with God's spirit is characterized by meekness and submission to his will. Myrrh was given to Jesus at His birth and at His death. Despite the pain, he wouldn't take the myrrh on the cross. It was his love for us that paid the price!

2. Cinnamon comes from a tree that appears remarkably straight. The Upright One (Christ Himself) is a sweet aroma. It is said that this cinnamon grows so straight that it has no curves (Song of Solomon 1:13). An upright life is a sweet aroma to the Lord (2 Cor 2:14)

3. Sweet cane (Calamus) is a reed that grows in swamps. When it is dried and pulverised, Calamus gives off a very fine aromatic smell. This speaks of a lilived with in humility. Humility is a pleasing taste to the Lord. He dwells with the humble. (Isa 57:15)

4. Cassia produces a substance that is often used for internal cleansing. Malachi 3:2 says, "He is like a refiner's fire, and like a fullers' soap." The branches of the cassia herb retain moisture and need to be planted near a swampy area. Our existence wouldn't be possible without the Spirit. Cassia in the Hebrew language also means to bow down the head, signifying surrender and prayer.

5. Olive oil. To get olive oil requires a complex procedure, which means anointing oil is expensive! In Matt 25, the parable of the virgins tells us that oil must be purchased. The “vehicle” by which the spices are carried in the oil. Jesus is made real by the Holy Spirit, who diffuses His fragrance through us everywhere!

Here you have it - a brief primer on anointing oil! We hope you have been blessed and if you would like to purchase a bottle of anointing oil, Mount of Olives carries it. These are all olive oil-based and, for variety, include one or more spices mentioned in the Bible. In addition, our olive oil is made with a proprietary technique  that harnesses the polyphenols and micronutrients of each olive that enhances the look and feel of your skin.