Oil / Anointing

In the scriptures oil poured upon chosen individuals marked their consecration for holy service, as when Samuel anointed David to become king over Israel. This outward sign pointed to the inward reality of the Holy Spirit's empowering presence, preparing the way for the ultimate Anointed One whose coming would bring redemption to all. Jesus affirmed that the Spirit of the Lord was upon him to preach good tidings, while the faithful receive an anointing from the Holy One that teaches them all things and guards against deception.

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Symbolizes: The Holy Spirit, consecration, healing, joy

Old Testament Type

Samuel anointing David as king - the Spirit came upon him from that day (1 Samuel 16:13)

New Testament Fulfillment

Jesus is 'the Christ' (the Anointed One); believers receive 'an unction from the Holy One' (1 John 2:20)

Key Passages

David Anointed

1 Samuel 16:13

T¹³hen Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.

The Spirit of the Lord Is Upon Me

Luke 4:18

T¹⁸he Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

Anointing from the Holy One

1 John 2:20

B²⁰ut ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things.

Did You Know?

Oil was used for anointing kings, priests, and prophets. The oil symbolized the Spirit of God coming upon a person for a specific task. David was anointed with oil. So was Jesus at Bethany.

The anointing oil in the Old Testament was a mixture of spices that could not be replicated for common use. The Spirit is not a commodity. He is the holy presence of God given for holy purposes.

We are anointed by the Holy Spirit. The same Spirit who rested on Jesus rests on every believer. We are a royal priesthood, set apart for the service of the King.