Anointing

Boyd’s Bible Dictionary:

(to smear on). Anointing with oil or ointment, a common practice in the East (Gen. 28:18; 31:13; Deut. 28:40; Ruth 3:3). A mark of respect (Luke 7:46, Psa. 23:5); or of induction to priestly office (Ex. 40:15; Num. 3:3); or to kingly office (1 Sam. 9:16; 10:1); or as an act of consecration (Ex. 28:41); or as an act of healing (Mark 6:13). Christ was anointed with the Holy Ghost (Luke 4:18; Acts 4:27; 10:38; Isa. 61:1; Psa. 45:7).

Concise Bible Dictionary:

There are several Hebrew words thus translated, but some of them occur but once, as
1. In Psalm 23:5, “Thou anointest my head with oil,” signifying made fat, the oil used plentifully.
2. Psalm 92:10, “I shall be anointed with fresh oil,” from “to pour over,” “overflow with” oil.
3. Isaiah 10:27, “the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing” (text obscure).
4. Zechariah 4:14, “these are the two anointed ones,” lit. “sons of oil” (compare Rev. 11:4).
5. suk, “to anoint the body after washing,” like ἀλείφω in the New Testament, is commonly used for the practice among the orientals of anointing the body, or its parts, for comfort, appearance, friendliness, healing, or burial. For the ordinary toilet (compare Ruth 3:3; 2 Sam. 12:20; 2 Chron. 28:15; Matt. 6:17). To neglect this was a sign of mourning (2 Sam. 14:2; Dan. 10:3). As an act of courtesy (compare Luke 7:46; John 12:3); the sick were also anointed (Mark 6:13; James 5:14); also the dead body (Mark 14:8; Mark 16:1). One of the punishments on Israel was that the olives should not yield oil for the anointing (Deut. 28:40; Mic. 6:15).
6. mashach, χρἰς, “to spread over, to anoint” for an office. Kings were anointed: Saul, David, Solomon, Joash, Jehu, and Hazael are examples. Prophets were anointed; for Psalm 105:15 should read “anointed ones”; and compare 1 Kings 19:16. Special oil made according to God’s directions was used for the anointing of the priests (Ex. 30:30; Ex. 40:13). With the same oil the tabernacle and its vessels were anointed (Ex. 40:9-10). The meat offering was anointed with oil (Lev. 2:1,4), typical of the pure humanity of the Lord Jesus, and of His being sealed by the Holy Spirit. The cleansed leper was anointed with oil (Lev. 14:17-18).
Whether this last anointing refers to persons or things and whether the oil is that specially prepared or common oil, the sanctification and power of the Holy Spirit is invariably typified thereby. Anointing with oil for consecration to office is not now enjoined on believers, for they are anointed with the Holy Spirit, and are also priests to God. John reminds even the babes in Christ that they have an unction from the Holy One, and the anointing (the same word, χρισμα) abideth in them (1 John 2:20,27). Thus, as in the Old Testament, the kings, prophets, and priests were anointed as set apart for God, so the Christian is by the Holy Spirit sanctified for God, both as to his position and service. See THE ANOINTED.

From Manners and Customs of the Bible:

Psalm 23:5. Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Anointing was an ancient custom practiced by the Egyptians, and afterward by the Greeks and Romans and other nations. Olive oil was used, (see note on Psa. 92:10, #446) either pure or mixed with fragrant and costly spices, often brought from a long distance. See note on Matthew 26:7 (#712). The practice was in use, not only as a part of the ceremony in connection with the coronation of kings, (see note on 2 Kings 11:12, #346) and at the installation of the High Priest (Psa. 133:2), but as an act of courtesy and hospitality toward a guest. Thus, the Lord accuses Simon of a want of hospitality in neglecting to anoint the head of him whom he had invited to eat with him (Luke 7:46). There are pictures on the Egyptian monuments representing guests having their heads anointed. Oil was used for other parts of the body as well as for the head, and at home as well as when visiting. The biblical references to the custom are numerous.
See Deuteronomy 28:40; Ruth 3:3; Psalm 92:10; 104:15; Ecclesiastes 9:8; Micah 6:15; Matthew 6:17. The neglect of anointing was considered a sign of mourning. See 2 Samuel 14:2; Daniel 10:3. An anointed face, on the other hand, was a sign of joy; hence we read of being anointed with the “oil of gladness” (Psa. 45:7; Heb. 1:9).
Tavernier states that he found the Arabs always ready to accept a present of olive oil. As soon as one received it he lifted his turban and anointed his head, his face, and his beard, at the same time lifting his eyes to heaven and saying, “God be thanked!” Captain Wilson, an Oriental traveler, speaking of the custom alluded to in this passage, says: “I once had this ceremony performed on myself in the house of a great and rich Indian, in the presence of a large company. The gentleman of the house poured upon my hands and arms a delightful odoriferous perfume, put a golden cup into my hands, and poured wine into it until it ran over; assuring me, at the sometime, that it was a great pleasure to him to receive me, and that I should find a rich supply in his house” (Murder, Oriental Customs, No. 539).
The Psalmist in the text represents himself as an honored guest of Jehovah, who prepares a table for him, hospitably anoints him, and puts into his hands a full cup.

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