In the Bible, “anointed” refers to the act of consecrating someone or something for a special purpose, often involving the application of oil. It signifies God’s selection and empowerment of individuals, particularly kings, prophets, and priests, to fulfill His divine mission.
Scripture
16 The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul, since I have rejected him from being king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and go. I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons.”
2 And Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears it, he will kill me.” And the Lord said, “Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.’
3 Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do. And you shall anoint for me him whom I declare to you.”
4 Samuel did what the Lord commanded and came to Bethlehem.
5 And he said, “Peaceably; I have come to sacrifice to the Lord. Consecrate yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice.” And he consecrated Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice.
6 When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is before him.”
7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”
8 Then Jesse called Abinadab and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.”
9 Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, “Neither has the Lord chosen this one.”
10 Thus Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel. And Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen these.”
11 Then Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, but behold, he is keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and get him, for we will not sit down till he comes here.”
12 And he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy and had beautiful eyes and was handsome. And the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him, for this is he.”
13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day forward. And Samuel rose up and went to Ramah.
Biblical Meaning of “Anointed”
The term “anointed” in the Bible carries profound implications, signifying the act of setting apart for divine service or a specific mission through the ceremonial application of oil. This practice is rooted in ancient Israelite customs and is vividly illustrated by the anointing of Saul as king in 1 Samuel 10:1, where the prophet Samuel pours oil over him, declaring, “Has not the Lord anointed you leader over his inheritance?” This anointing not only marks Saul’s elevation to kingship but also symbolizes God’s empowerment, suggesting that the anointed individual is equipped with divine authority and responsibility. The significance extends to figures such as David, who was similarly anointed (1 Samuel 16:13), and the priests, who were consecrated to mediate between God and His people (Exodus 29:7).
Beyond earthly leaders, the concept of anointing evolves to embody the messianic expectations within the biblical narrative. Christ, derived from the Greek “Christos,” translates to “the Anointed One,” emphasizing Jesus as the fulfillment of the anointed roles of king, priest, and prophet (Luke 4:18). In Acts 4:27, the early church recognizes Jesus’ anointing by God as critical in God’s salvation plan, evidenced by His works and ultimate sacrifice. Thus, the broader biblical implication of anointing encompasses God’s active involvement in history, shining a light upon those chosen to lead, serve, and ultimately, redeem humanity. This anointing is not merely about status; it is about a vocation imbued with the Holy Spirit, driving the anointed to carry out God’s will in the world.
The concept of “anointed” extends further into the prophetic tradition, where individuals designated for specific tasks are likewise empowered by divine anointing. For example, numerous prophets, such as Elijah and Elisha, were recognized as anointed conduits through whom God’s messages and miracles were delivered. Their anointing signified not just special selection but also the impartation of God’s Spirit to empower them for prophetic ministry, functioning as instruments of divine revelation and intervention within the community of Israel. This highlights how the element of anointing serves as a bridge between the divine and human realms, enabling people to fulfill God’s purposes throughout biblical history.
In the Psalms, the anointed one also takes center stage, as seen in references to the “Lord’s anointed” or “Messiah.” For instance, Psalm 2 addresses the anointed king, proclaiming God’s sovereignty and setting the stage for the ultimate installation of God’s rule over the world through this anointed individual. This not only accentuates the royal associations tied to anointing but also points to the future hope of salvation. Additionally, the New Testament writers build on this idea by interpreting Jesus as the culmination of this anointing, affirming that through His life, death, and resurrection, He embodies the ultimate anointed one who fulfills the deep-seated messianic expectations of the Jewish faith. Through this lens, the significance of being “anointed” encompasses a rich tapestry of roles, responsibilities, and divine commitments that resonate throughout the sacred texts, revealing a continual narrative of God’s profound engagement with humanity.
Divine Selection and Empowerment
In the biblical context, being “anointed” signifies a divine selection for a specific purpose or role. This act of anointing often involves the pouring of oil, symbolizing the Holy Spirit’s empowerment. Individuals who are anointed are chosen by God to fulfill significant tasks, such as leadership, prophecy, or priesthood. This concept underscores the belief that God equips those He chooses with the necessary abilities and authority to carry out His will.
Symbol of Healing and Restoration
Anointing in the Bible also carries connotations of healing and restoration. The act of anointing with oil is often associated with physical and spiritual healing, representing God’s intervention in the lives of individuals. This symbolism extends to the idea of being restored to wholeness, both in body and spirit, highlighting God’s desire to bring comfort and renewal to His people.
Foreshadowing of Christ
The term “anointed” is closely linked to the concept of the Messiah, or “the Anointed One.” In the New Testament, Jesus is recognized as the fulfillment of this anointing, embodying the ultimate purpose of God’s plan for salvation. This connection emphasizes the significance of anointing as not only a designation of authority but also as a prophetic foreshadowing of the coming Savior who would bring redemption and establish God’s kingdom on earth.
How to Embrace Divine Empowerment in Your Faith Journey
Embracing divine empowerment in your faith journey is about recognizing that you are not alone in your walk with Christ; His strength is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Start by cultivating a deep, personal relationship with God through prayer and scripture, allowing His Word to transform your heart and mind. As you surrender your fears and limitations to Him, you’ll find that His grace equips you to face challenges with courage and resilience. Surround yourself with a community of believers who can uplift and encourage you, reminding you of the power of the Holy Spirit that resides within you. Remember, divine empowerment isn’t just about what you can achieve; it’s about allowing God to work through you, so be open to His leading and trust that He has a purpose for your life that is far greater than you can imagine. Embrace this journey with faith, and watch how God will use you to shine His light in the world.
Bible References to the Meaning of “Anointed”:
Exodus 30:22-33: 22 The Lord said to Moses,
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,”
24 and cassia, and onycha, and galbanum, sweet spices with pure frankincense (of each shall there be an equal part),
25 And you shall make of these a sacred anointing oil blended as by the perfumer; it shall be a holy anointing oil.
26 With it you shall anoint the tent of meeting and the ark of the testimony,
27 And the table and all its utensils, and the lampstand and its utensils, and the altar of incense,
28 and the altar of burnt offering with all its utensils and the basin and its stand,
29 You shall consecrate them, that they may be most holy. Whatever touches them will become holy.
30 You shall anoint Aaron and his sons, and consecrate them, that they may serve me as priests.
31 And you shall say to the people of Israel, ‘This shall be my holy anointing oil throughout your generations.
32 It shall not be poured on the body of an ordinary person, and you shall make no other like it in composition. It is holy, and it shall be holy to you.
33 Whoever compounds any like it or whoever puts any of it on an outsider shall be cut off from his people.
1 Kings 19:15-16: 15 And the Lord said to him, “Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus. And when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael to be king over Syria.
16 And Jehu the son of Nimshi you shall anoint to be king over Israel, and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah you shall anoint to be prophet in your place.
Psalm 23:1-6: 1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.
3 He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Isaiah 61:1-3: 1 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,
because the Lord has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor;
he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
2 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn;
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.
Luke 4:16-21: 16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read.
17 And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written:
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,
19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.
20 And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him.
21 And he began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”
Acts 10:34-38: 34 So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality,
35 but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.
36 As for the word that he sent to Israel, preaching good news of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all),
37 you yourselves know what happened throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John proclaimed:
38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.
2 Corinthians 1:21-22: 21 And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us,
22 and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee,
1 John 2:20-27: 27 But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him.
21 I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth.
22 Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son.
23 No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also.
24 Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father.
25 And this is the promise that he made to us—eternal life.
26 I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you.
27 But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him.
Hebrews 1:8-9: 8 But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.
7 Of the angels he says, “He makes his angels winds, and his ministers a flame of fire.”
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.