Whenever an anointing will be made, oils are always being used by the people in the Bible. For each anointing purpose, there is a certain oil description to identify the ingredients, the quality of oil to be used (pure, fresh, sweet) and what is it for. Despite that there are designated formulations for each purpose, all of the oil blends have the same purpose – to anoint who and what God wants to be anointed.
To discover more, let’s dig into the passages below.
1. Holy anointing oil
The ingredients and the preparation for the holy anointing oil were particularly instructed by God. This holy oil is made of pure myrrh, sweet cinnamon, sweet calamus, cassia, and olive oil. (Exodus 30:23-25) It should only be prepared according to the work of the apothecary. (Exodus 30:25; 37:29)
It is used for anointing the tabernacle, the ark of the covenant, and the materials used in the tabernacle such as the table, vessels, utensils, candlestick, incense altar, burnt offering altar, all the utensils in it, and washbasin. (Exodus 30:26-28) It is also used to anoint Aaron and his sons to consecrate them. (Exodus 30:29-31)
It is considered holy, this, must only be reserved for God. The formulation must not be made for personal use, for other purposes, nor for anointing anyone else.
“23 Take thou also unto thee principal spices, of pure myrrh five hundred shekels, and of sweet cinnamon half so much, even two hundred and fifty shekels, and of sweet calamus two hundred and fifty shekels,
“24 And of cassia five hundred shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary, and of oil olive a hin:”
“25 And thou shalt make it an oil of holy ointment, an ointment compound after the art of the apothecary: it shall be a holy anointing oil.” – Exodus 30:23-25
“And thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel, saying, This shall be a holy anointing oil unto me throughout your generations.” Exodus 30:31
“And he made the holy anointing oil, and the pure incense of sweet spices, according to the work of the apothecary.” – Exodus 37:29
2. Oil of gladness
The oil of gladness is probably made of myrrh, aloes, and cassia as the garments of the anointed person referred to in Psalm 45:7-8 smelled like these aromatic plants. We assume that this oil blend was used for anointing the people that God has ordained to serve Him by doing certain tasks and purposes. While the holy anointing oil is reserved for the tabernacle and anointing the Aaronites, we assume that this might be used to anoint the servants of God who are tasked to do civic work, or guide God’s people. This includes judges, kings, and other individuals who are called by God to serve Him and His people.
“Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.” Psalms 45:7
“Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.” – Hebrews 1:9
3. Fresh oil
some old oils are recognized for their therapeutic benefits. However, fresh oil is the preferred oil to be used for anointing God’s chosen people. (Psalms 92:10). In 1 Samuel 16:1 & 13 and 1 Kings 1:39, we can read that the people of God took a horn to fill it with oil. Thus we conclude that the fresh oil was not contained in a bottle, but kept in a horn. This makes the container mobile-friendly and easy to carry because the horn is not fragile. This was well-suited during that time because people back then were traveling by walking or riding bumpy carriages. Moreover, using a horn will prevent the oil from being contaminated or exposed to light and other factors that could make it rancid. In addition, if the horns were properly sealed and handled well the oil won’t leak or be spilled.
“But my horn shalt thou exalt like the horn of a unicorn: I shall be anointed with fresh oil.” – Psalms 92:10
“1 And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons.” 1 Samuel 16:1
“13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him amid his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose, and went to Ramah.” 1 Samuel 16:1,13
“And Zadok the priest took a horn of oil out of the tabernacle and anointed Solomon. And they blew the trumpet; and all the people said, God, save king Solomon.” – 1 King 1:39
Through the particular instruction of God about formulation, preparation, and purposes of oils we can see that God has an enormous wisdom about oils. Hence, as the God that we worship is a God of certainty and also blessed us with wisdom and the ability to think, may we use these gifts and carefully choose our oils and remember their purposes.
For best results, always ensure that you know your oil’s purpose. ❤
Oil Therapy 