And you shall take the anointing oil and anoint the tabernacle and all that is in it, and consecrate it and all its utensils; and it shall be holy. – Exodus 40:9
The Purpose of Anointing Oils
In our faith, we learn that anointing oils hold great significance, serving as a symbol of God’s presence and blessing. Anointing oils are used to consecrate sacred spaces and people, setting them apart for God’s purposes. It reminds us that we, too, can be set apart for a holy calling. When we use oils in our rituals, we are acknowledging God’s power and our desire for His blessings in our lives. We recognize that the act of anointing is not just a ritual; it is a way to invite the Spirit of God into our daily lives and activities.
Exodus 30:25
And you shall make of these a sacred anointing oil, blended as by the perfumer; it shall be a holy anointing oil. – Exodus 30:25
James 5:14
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. – James 5:14
1 Samuel 16:13
Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward. – 1 Samuel 16:13
Mark 6:13
And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick, and healed them. – Mark 6:13
Psalm 23:5
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. – Psalm 23:5
Healing Properties of Oils
Oils are not just for physical purposes; they carry deep spiritual meaning as well. Throughout Scripture, oils symbolize healing and comfort. By calling on the use of oils in prayer and healing rituals, we remember that God is our ultimate healer and provider. Using oils in our lives can serve as a reminder to seek the Lord’s healing touch in moments of need. It also emphasizes the importance of community, as we often use oils to pray over one another, united in faith and hope for God’s intervention in our lives.
Luke 10:34
He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. – Luke 10:34
Isaiah 1:6
From the sole of the foot even to the head there is no soundness in it, but wounds and bruises and festering sores; they have not been closed or bound up or soothed with ointment. – Isaiah 1:6
Proverbs 27:9
Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel. – Proverbs 27:9
Mark 16:18
They will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover. – Mark 16:18
Revelation 22:2
Through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. – Revelation 22:2
Symbolism of Oils in Sacrifices
In our worship, oils represent more than just a physical application; they symbolize sacrifices made to God. When we read about oils in the context of sacrifices, we understand that they play an integral role in both the communal and individual expression of our faith. Offering oils signifies devotion and a desire to draw closer to God. We are reminded that, like oils used in sacrifices, we are called to offer our lives as living sacrifices to God, fully dedicated to His glory.
Leviticus 2:1
When anyone brings a grain offering as an offering to the Lord, his offering shall be of fine flour. He shall pour oil on it and put frankincense on it. – Leviticus 2:1
Leviticus 2:4
And when you bring a grain offering baked in the oven, it shall be unleavened loaves of fine flour mixed with oil, or unleavened wafers smeared with oil. – Leviticus 2:4
Exodus 29:40
And with the one lamb a tenth measure of fine flour mixed with a fourth of a hin of beaten oil, and a fourth of a hin of wine for a drink offering. – Exodus 29:40
Numbers 15:4
Then shall he who offers his offering give to the Lord a grain offering of a tenth deal of flour mixed with a fourth part of a hin of oil. – Numbers 15:4
Leviticus 7:12
If he offers it for a thanksgiving offering, then he shall offer with the thanksgiving sacrifice unleavened loaves mixed with oil. – Leviticus 7:12
Oils in Worship and Rituals
As we gather in worship, oils become a powerful symbol of our devotion and connection to God. They represent the Holy Spirit and His anointing power among us. In many religious traditions, using oils during worship signifies an invitation for God’s presence to dwell within. The use of oils can deepen our spiritual practices, encouraging us to reflect on the significance of what we are doing. By incorporating oils into our worship, we create a multisensory experience that touches our hearts and minds, drawing us closer to God.
1 Chronicles 16:4
And he appointed some of the Levites as ministers before the ark of the Lord, to invoke, to thank, and to celebrate; and the Levites were also to play on instruments of music. – 1 Chronicles 16:4
Exodus 37:29
He made the holy anointing oil and the pure incense of sweet spices, according to the work of the perfumer. – Exodus 37:29
John 12:3
Mary therefore took a pound of expensive ointment made from pure nard and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. – John 12:3
Matthew 26:7
A woman came up to him with an alabaster flask of very expensive ointment, and she poured it on his head as he reclined at table. – Matthew 26:7
Luke 4:18
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed. – Luke 4:18
Oils for Spiritual Strength
In many biblical instances, oils symbolize spiritual strength and empowerment. When we refer to oils and their significance, they remind us that we can draw strength from God. Just as oil nourishes and sustains our physical bodies, God’s Spirit empowers our souls. It’s through His anointing that we find courage, resilience, and hope. As we experience life’s challenges, we can look to God’s promise of strength and support, often accessed through prayer and seeking His presence in our lives.
2 Corinthians 1:21-22
And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee. – 2 Corinthians 1:21-22
Psalms 92:10
But you have exalted my horn like that of the wild ox; you have poured over me fresh oil. – Psalms 92:10
Isaiah 61:3
To grant to those who mourn in Zion—to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified. – Isaiah 61:3
Romans 8:26
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. – Romans 8:26
John 14:26
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. – John 14:26
Oils as Gifts and Offerings
Throughout the Bible, we find instances where oils are given as gifts, showing generosity and love. These gifts signify our love for God and others, and they often convey a message of kindness, care, and support. By sharing oils, we partake in a practice that transcends mere physicality, reminding us of the spiritual connections we share. We are called to offer kindness and generosity as part of our faith journey, and oils in many cultures symbolize this act of giving.
Matthew 2:11
And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. – Matthew 2:11
Exodus 30:23
Take the finest spices: of liquid myrrh 500 shekels, and of sweet-smelling cinnamon half as much, that is, 250, and 250 of aromatic cane. – Exodus 30:23
Matthew 26:12
In pouring this ointment on my body, she has done it to prepare me for burial. – Matthew 26:12
Mark 14:8
She has done what she could; she has anointed my body beforehand for burial. – Mark 14:8
1 Kings 1:39
And Zadok the priest took the horn of oil from the tent and anointed Solomon. Then they blew the trumpet, and all the people said, “Long live King Solomon!” – 1 Kings 1:39
Final Thoughts
As we explore the topic of oils, we recognize their significance throughout the Bible and our spiritual lives. Oils symbolize anointing, healing, and the offering we present to God. They are reminders of our connection to the Holy Spirit and the blessings He imparts to us.
Just as oils were used for worship, healing, and sacrifice, we can reflect on how these themes play out in our lives today. Let us remember to share generously and care for others as we have been cared for, just as the gifts of oils symbolize love and kindness.
I encourage you to continue exploring these beautiful topics of faith. Delve into the importance of frankincense and discover the nourishing value of fruits and vegetables in our faith.