The Anointing!
A brief Biblical Study by Rodney “Roc” Foreman
“…And it shall come to pass in that day, that his
burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder, and his yoke from off thy
neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of The Anointing….” Isaiah 10:27
To be “anointed” is, among other things, to be made
sacred (consecrated); to be set apart and dedicated to serve God; to be
imparted with enabling gifts and grace; to be divinely designated, inaugurated,
or chosen for some purpose. We know this subject is important to God because
the words anoint, anointed, and anointing appear in more than 150 Spirit-inspired Bible verses, including
22 New Testament scriptures.
The Bible
Dictionary mentions only two types of anointing: The Anointing with Oil and The Anointing of The Holy Spirit.
In short, anointing and oil are much more integrally related
than most people realize, which explains why Bible translators sometimes use anoint and oil interchangeably as synonymous verbs (see Isaiah. 21:5).
Both the Hebrew form of “Messiah” and the Greek form of “Christ” literally mean “Anointed” thus, “Jesus Christ” is more
accurately rendered “Jesus, The Anointed One” or “Jesus, His Anointed.” This is
one of the reasons our Savior first publicly announced Himself as the divine
Messiah (Luke 4:18)
by quoting Isaiah 61:1: “…The
Spirit of The Lord is upon me,
because HE has anointed me…”
It’s why Peter and John and the followers with them,
inspired by the Holy Spirit, publicly refer to Jesus as the “Anointed One.”
As pertaining to The Anointing with Oil, God
is obviously a lover of sweet-smelling fragrances and perfumes. These words (or
forms of them) appear in Scripture 41 times in the Old Testament and 35 times
in the New Testament, respectively. Spices – in the context of anointing oils,
perfume, food, and incense – are mentioned throughout the Bible.
The first Scriptural reference
of Anointing with Oil: The great Patriarch,
Jacob (divinely renamed “Israel”) makes a sacred vow to God after anointing a stone pillar by pouring oil on
top of it (Genesis. 28:16-22; 31:13; 35:14). Jacob names the pillar’s
locale “Bethel” (meaning “House of God”). By pouring this anointing
oil, Jacob “consecrated” the pillar, thereby rendering it an altar Holy unto
God.
In Exodus 30, The LORD tells Moses to
make a very special and “Holy Anointing Oil” of the finest spices, including
“myrrh”, “sweet-smelling cinnamon”, “fragrant cane”, “cassia”, and “olive oil”.
This highly perfumed oil was used to consecrate (set apart) the articles used
in Temple Worship, including The Ark of The Covenant, The Tabernacle,
and all its furnishings, which made them “Holy” unto the Lord. However, God
gives an admonition NOT to reproduce the oil or use it on ordinary humans - an
admonition that God takes seriously.
In Exodus
25:6, the LORD identifies Anointing Oil as “…an acceptable offering…” unto Him. Furthermore, He commands
that Aaron and his sons be anointed, consecrated, and sanctified as Holy Priests
to Minister unto Him (Exodus 28:41) and that Aaron be anointed
as Israel’s High Priest through the pouring of Anointing Oil on his head and
garments (Exodus 29:7, 21, 29). In Psalm
133:12, we compare harmonious brotherhood to “the oil on the head that runs
down over the beard of Aaron.”
Scripture’s first kingly anointing, the Prophet Samuel pours oil on the head of
King Saul (1Samuel 10:1).
DAVID’S ANOINTING: David, the “Man after God’s Heart”, is officially Anointed
with Oil, not once but three times
(1st
Samuel 16:12-13; 2nd Samuel 2:4; and 2nd Samuel 5:3).
In Psalm 23:5, he says to God, “…You anoint my head with oil….”
This is confirmed by Psalm 89:20-21, wherein
God declares, “…I have found David my
servant and Anointed him with My Holy Oil. My hand will always be with him….”
In addition, David Anoints himself while trying to shake off grief over the death of
his child and just before entering the Temple to Worship God (1st Samuel 12:20).
Esther & Oil of Myrrh: In Esther’s era any Queen-to-be had
to undergo a year of preparations prior to coronation (Esther chapter 2). Esther underwent “a six-month treatment with oil of myrrh and six months with
perfumes and other aloes”. One translation states it as “…with olive oil and myrrh…” In ancient times, the average
woman’s perfume was her Anointing Oil.
Mary of Bethany: One of Scripture’s most poignant,
bittersweet scenes (Matthew 26:613; Mark 14:39; John 12:35) memorializes Mary of
Bethany, a woman with an Alabaster Box filled with very expensive perfume (pure spikenard oil worth an average
laborer’s annual wage) approaches Jesus, breaks the jar, and begins pouring
the precious oil over His head and feet. As the house fills with the oil’s
pungent fragrance, the Lord says to those nearby: “…She has done a beautiful
thing for me… She poured this perfume on me to prepare my body for burial…I
tell you that throughout the whole world…what she has done will be told in her memory….”
Frankincense & Myrrh: The Wise-Men from The East honored
the child Jesus with gifts of Frankincense, and Myrrh (an Oil that symbolized
The Anointing - Matthew 2:11). Frankincense comes to be associated with Christ’s role
as our intercessor (the bowl of incense in Revelations 5:8 is Frankincense,
representing the prayers of the Saints), Myrrh comes to represent His suffering
and death. In essence, Jesus was Anointed to die for the sins of the world!
In Song of
Songs the writer refers to the bridegroom (Jesus) as “…who is He coming in a pillar of
smoke smelling of myrrh & frankincense?...” Many Biblical Scholars have
suggested that the Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh represent the three roles of Jesus
respectively: King, Priest and Savior!
According to Revelation 3:18 (NAS), Jesus Himself says to the believing
community in Laodicea, “…I advise you to buy from Me Gold… White Garments…
and eye salve to Anoint your eyes,
that you may see….”
Speaking of “white garments”, consider the advice of
King Solomon: “…Always be clothed in white, and always anoint your head with oil….” (Ecclesiastics 9:8, NIV).
Believers are Anointed: In 1st John 2:27 (ESV) we
read, “…The Anointing that you have 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….” So, whether or not you use anointing oil, you’re already one of God’s
anointed!
OTHERS CAN & SHOULD BE
ANOINTED: Some believe oil should be used
to anoint only kings and
priests; according to Scripture, however, believers in Jesus are “Priests”
1st Peter. 2:5, 9; they are kings by virtue of having the King of Kings in them
(Galatians
2:20).
Indeed, Bible Scholars agree that in God’s Word, Anointing
Oil typically symbolizes the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, “ordinary” Israelites ANOINTED
THEMSELVES AND EACH OTHER WITH OIL (Ruth 3:3; 28:15; Daniel 10:3; Amos 6:6),
and the New Covenant actually directs “ordinary believers” to do
this (Matthew
6:17; James 5:14).
Now, let’s take our study a
little deeper….
I believe it is important for
us to understand that there are several words (in both Hebrew and Greek) that
help us to grasp the truth about “The Anointing”, “The Anointed” and “To
Anoint.”
Let’s first define the word, Anoint from Hebrew and Greek.
Anoint: The
Hebrew word MOST used in the Old Testament is…
“Mashach”
(maw-shak), to rub, smear or
paint with oil for consecration, setting apart and for purposeful use,
designation and assignment! It’s the applying of oil for “Fat” - NOT “fat” in terms of body
weight, but rather in terms of “power”, “personal betterment”, “increase”,
“enlarging” and/or purposes that bring GROWTH in ability, significance and/or
application!
Another word, often overlooked in Hebrew, is the word…
“Cuwk”
(sook), to rub,
smear or paint with oil FOR SELFISH
PURPOSES, SELFISH designations and SELFISH assignments!
We
see this word used in Deuteronomy 28:40,
where God commands to NOT Self-Anoint!
In Greek, we find three words that define Anoint, which are…
“Aleipho” (al-i-fo), which is a base
root of another word, “Liparos”
(lip-ar-os). Both words, just like its Hebrew comparison, mean to
apply oil for “Fat” (Note AGAIN: Don’t think of “fat” in terms of body weight,
but rather in terms of “power”, “personal betterment”, “increase”, “enlarging”
and/or purposes that bring GROWTH in ability, significance and/or application!)
Matthew
uses this word in Chapter 6, as he recorded the Words of Jesus’ teaching on
fasting, saying “…When you fast, Anoint (Aleipho) your head….”
Its
important to note: Jesus (and his Disciples) did NOT speak Greek but Aramaic,
and the words we read in The Gospels were translated in Greek. The Aramaic word
here for Anoint (Ahreik – air-reek) has the EXACT
definition as the Greek word used. This word is ALSO translated “Anointing”
and “Anointed” (for future reference).
The second set of Greek words, are the words…
“Murizo”
(moo-rid-zo), which is the verb
form of its ROOT, “Muron” (moo-ron), which to apply oil with a quality rendering
(similar to the idea of “giving your best effort” when applying oil). This word
has another companion Root (also called, and “application root”, which is “Strateuomai”
(strat-yoo-om-ahee), which is applying oil with military intent or
arduous duties or functions in mind. This is the implication of going to war or
battle to contend with NATURAL (or carnal) inclinations. In other words, this
word is for the applying of oil for the purpose of fighting flesh… consecrating
oneself to overcome carnality or the HUMAN experience!
We
see this word used when Jesus was Anointed prior to he death (in
Mark 14:8) – a trial of His flesh/natural inclinations and a battle to
WILL HIMSELF to endure The Crucifixion!
The third set of Greek words translated Anoint, are the words…
“Egchrio”
(eng-kree-o), which applies two
Greek application “prefixs” (called language action tenses), “En”
and “Ex” – BOTH mean (as used within context in the word Egchrio) To
rub in with oil to denote positioning and preparation (in time, place and/or
state of mind). It also denotes an instrumental relationship where one bears
witness to a relationship of impact, construction, the imparting of something
rare or substantial. Its also the result of being reached out to for a
exceeding and extended purpose with complete recognition given to the
relationship, the impact, the imparting and/or the construction!
We
see this word in Revelations 3:18, where John records Jesus saying “…I
counsel the to buy of Me Gold tried in the fire, that thou may be rich; and
White Raiment that thou may be clothed and the shame of thy nakedness do not
appear; and ANOINT (Egchrio) thine eyes with eye salve, that thou may see….”
This verse, indicating “preparation” and “positioning” lets us know the things
Jesus deems lacking in the Laodicean Church in terms of “relationship”,
“effectiveness”, “impact” and their overall sustenance.
Now, let’s look at the word “Anointed” (which in an
adjective), as apposed to the verb, Anoint! The Hebrew word for this adjective
is THE SAME word used for the verb. Therefore, we can refer to the afore
mentioned information regarding Hebrew translations for this word, but there
are SEVERAL words translated “Anointed”
in Greek! These words are…
“Chrio”
(khree-o), The base of the afore
mentioned word Egchrio. This is to rub with oil to consecrate to a specific
office or service. This word also carries the idea of significant contact and
application (or akin to hugging, embracing or a significant show of affection
or approval.
This
is the word translated from the Aramaic that Jesus used in Luke 4:18…
“…The
Spirit of The Lord is upon me, because He has ANOINTED (Chrio) Me to
preach The Gospel to the poor… heal the broken-hearted… preach deliverance to
the captives… recovering of sight to the blind… set at liberty (set free) them
that are bruised….”
This
word shows us THE AFFECTION and EMBRACING LOVE of Jesus’ Ministry and Calling!
This
word has a companion (verb) application form,
“Chraomai”
(khrah-om-ahee), which means to
handle or to furnish a need… To employ or act towards with the manner of being
employed
We
see this word used when Jesus heals a blind man in John 9:6 by using (or
employing) spit and clay, thus “furnishing” the need (healing of sight).
“…When
He had thus spoken, He spat on the ground and made clay of the spittle, and He
ANOINTED (Chraomai) the eyes of the blind man with the clay….”
A
third word in this series is, “Cheir” (khire), which is from its
base “Chasma”
(khas-mah). This is to form a NEW space, a NEW vacancy, a NEW vacuum
and/or a NEW gulf or “gape” (hole). It’s a clearing out with the purpose of
RE-FILLING or RE-PLACING what has been cleared out!
We
see this word in the same passage in John 9 (verse 11), where the blind
man was instructed to go wash his face AFTER Jesus Anointed him!
“…A
Man that is called Jesus made clay and ANOINTED (Cheir) my eyes, and said unto
me go to the pool of Siloam and wash, and I went and washed and I received
sight….”
In
this Biblical account, in context of its meaning, we see Jesus healing the
blind man and that healing causing him to move out of the space he was in
(begging). He re-placed the “position” of the blind man to a place of
“testifying” of his healing, NOT as one begging, but as one who encountered
Jesus’ Anointing!
Finally, let’s look at the
word “Anointing” from both
Hebrew and Greek. The Hebrew words translated Anointing are essentially the
SAME WORD for the words Anoint and Anointed. There are only MINOR differences
and uses…
“Mishchah”
(meesh-khaw) or “Moshchah” (mosh-khaw), which
are both derived from the afore mentioned “Mashach.”
These words are used with respect to “unction” or the motivation to rub oil.
It’s the idea of BEING MOVED
to apply oil for consecration, etc (see above). It also means to respond to its
presence and to recognize through action or giving place to something that is
to be done!
We
see this word in one of the more popular verses in all The Bible with reference
to “The Anointing: Isaiah 10:27
“…And
it shall come to pass in that day that His burden shall be taken away from off
thy shoulder, and His yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed
because of The ANOINTING (Mishahah)….”
It
is important to reiterate that this word (Mishachah)
is derived from our earlier word, Mashach
(see above) and is defined in context of the word from which it is derived.
Therefore, the best way to interpret this verse in context to its meaning is
“…the yoke/burden is destroyed because of The Power, The Fatness or Increase,
The Significance of Enlargement, etc.
In
this verse, the emphasis is on the destruction of burdens, and that because of
“The Anointing.” What we should glean from this is clear from its definition. Yokes/burdens
aren’t destroyed because of OUR ability and power, but because of The Power,
Ability and Increases of God working on our behalf! Amen!
The final set of Hebrew words translated “Anointing” are…
“Shemen”
(sheh-men) or “Shaman” (shaw-man),
which is to be “fat” (akin to the afore mentioned “Aleipho”). To shine, be
enlarged, increased, enriched or be made fruitful. This word carries the
implication of having absolutely NOTHING to do with the “fatness” that comes
with The Anointing!
This
word is VERY similar in use to Mishahah,
but is used in a “Positional” sense (as in having a disposition or physical
state of continuous being with reference to The Anointing). This word is NOT
used in the Old Testament. If so, it would suggest that the human experience,
under the Old Covenant, can attain a continuous flow of Anointing. This kind of
“Anointing” does NOT manifest until The NEW Covenant with the GREEK word in
this study (below)
In
Greek, the word most used translated Anointing,
is the SAME word “Murizo” (moo-rid-zo) used for the word “Anoint” (see above).
However, there is another word that is used a few times in the New Testament
that is also a kin to the words we’ve looked at thus far. THIS WORD, however,
opens up an even deeper meaning and application to The Anointing...
“Chrisma”
(khris-ma), which is the
Endowment of The Holy Spirit and of Power, Ability and Strength! This word has also been historically
rendered “Christma” (or the Endowment of Christ THROUGH The Holy Spirit). It’s
the continued presence of Anointing, the eternal possession and application of
power.
This
word strong denotes the sense of eternity, continuous and never-ending. It also
suggests UN-INFLUENCED Ability (meaning, NO ONE has or can have ANY part of how
this is applied. Its NOT something that can be constructed by the human
experience!
We
see this word used in 1st John 2:27
“…The
ANOINTING (Chrisma) that you have received from Him abides in you and you have
no need that anyone should teach you; but as HIS ANOINTING (Chrisma) teaches
you about everything, and is TRUE and is no lie, just as it has taught you, abide
in Him….”
So now that our research is
(seemingly) complete, the question I have as an aggressive Bible Student
remains: What other truths can we glean from this study, in context of what
we’ve learned and in complete justice of Biblical interpretation? Here are a
few thoughts that are from my own personal meditations regarding what this
study says to me with Spiritual Inspiration….
#1 – The Anointing is NOT,
nor has EVER been about human ability! Therefore, it can NEVER be associated
with how well a person sings, speaks, work or anything similar. The Anointing
as communicated through Scripture is ALWAYS about The Ability of God being
applied where the human experience has NO Ability! Furthermore, the IMPACT,
Construction and Application of The Anointing is ALWAYS about Purpose and the
carrying out of daunting duties that are NOT humanly inspired!
#2 – Being “Anointed” is NOT
something that is readily recognized merely for the purpose of recognition, but
its recognition (ONLY by other Believers) ALWAYS carries the idea of
“responsive action.” In other words, when one recognizes the Presence of
Anointing, the one who recognizes its presence has a responsibility to respond
to its presence with some form of Spiritual Action.
#3 – To Anoint (with oil) is
an act that is NOT necessary under the New Covenant, though accepted and
permissible as an act of Faith, to access and partake of The Power of God! In
other words, our study clearly concludes The Anointing Abides with the Believer
CONTINUOUSLY and though its application has varying measure, it Presence is
absolute nonetheless!
#4 – ALL Born Again Believers
and Committed Followers of Jesus Christ are ANOINTED! While under the Old
Covenant, “Being Anointed” had respect of Priestly Duty and Office, The NEW
Covenant has no respect for persons, office, duty nor the like! Janitors can be
as equally Anointed as a Pastor or Evangelist!
#5 – Being Anointed (with
oil) can have significance for Spiritual Growth, healing, the appropriation of
spiritual duty, assuming an office or even to rid oneself of besetting sins!
The application of FAITH in connection to the application of oil is the key in
determining successful outcomes in every circumstances!
#6 – ANY Believe can Anoint
(with oil) and apply the Spiritual Acts of Faith to partake of ALL Spiritual
Blessings in Christ!
#7 – Being Anointed is NOT an
indication of Spiritual Maturity! One can seek the Power of God (Anointing) in
light of the presence great personal weakness and struggle!
Grace & Peace!
Keep WINNING!
Roc
