30 AugustExodus 30

Anointing Oil

Exodus 30:22-25 (NKJV) “Moreover the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 23 “Also take for yourself quality spices, five hundred shekels of liquid myrrh, half as much sweet-smelling cinnamon (two hundred and fifty shekels), two hundred and fifty shekels of sweet-smelling cane, five hundred shekels of cassia, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, and a hin of olive oil. And you shall make from these a holy anointing oil, an ointment compounded according to the art of the perfumer. It shall be a holy anointing oil”.

This verse gives instructions for making holy anointing oil. It emphasises the importance of using specific ingredients and methods to consecrate priests and sacred items. By carefully preparing this unique oil, it represents purity, holiness, and a divine connection. The exact mix of ingredients acts as a spiritual channel to give blessings, consecrate people, and sanctify objects for religious ceremonies and purposes.

The anointing oil is still essential for believers today, symbolising dedication. Just as the oil made the Tabernacle and its items holy, we are called to dedicate our lives and actions to God. Using the best spices for the oil shows that we should give our best to God in everything we do. The idea of holiness, set apart for God's purposes, is still relevant, encouraging us to live lives that reflect our faith and commitment. Psalm 92:10 (AMP)”But my horn [my emblem of strength and power] You have exalted like that of a wild ox; I am anointed with fresh oil [for Your service]”.

Isaiah proclaims in Chapter 10:27 (AMP) So it will be in that day, that the burden of the Assyrian will be removed from your shoulders and his yoke from your neck. The yoke will be broken because of the fat.

Therefore the practice of anointing with oil is carried over into the New Testament and takes on significant meaning in Christian life and ministry. In James 5:14-15 (AMP) we read “Is anyone among you sick? He must call for the elders (spiritual leaders) of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; 15 and the prayer of faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.”

Anointing with oil is the physical act of expressing the spiritual truth: we belong to God and trust ourselves entirely in His care. Praying with the elders expresses our needs in words and spirit while anointing with oil expresses this point in action.

Nonetheless, the practice of anointing with holy oil, as instructed in Exodus and reaffirmed throughout scripture, symbolises a profound spiritual connection and dedication to God. From consecrating priests and sacred objects in the Old Testament to invoking healing and divine intervention in the New Testament, anointing with oil signifies surrendering to God's will and trusting in His power. Today it remains a tangible expression of faith, reminding believers to offer their best to God and live lives dedicated to His purpose. Just as the anointing oil sanctified the Tabernacle, may our lives reflect holiness and dedication, set apart for God's glory and service.