In the Old Testament, people used anointing oil as a major symbol for consecrating individuals to royal and sacred offices. Kings were anointed with oil as an indication of God’s appointment and blessing, marking them as chosen leaders. For instance, Samuel anointed Saul and later David as kings of Israel, using oil to indicate their divine selection and empowerment by God to rule the nation. More than ritual, the anointing powerfully symbolized the Holy Spirit’s presence, guidance, and protection over the anointed individual. It set them apart for a special purpose, emphasizing their role as God’s representatives on earth.
This practice foreshadowed the anointing of Jesus by the Holy Spirit at his baptism. When John baptized Jesus within the Jordan River, the Holy Spirit descended upon him like a dove, and a voice from heaven declared,
“This is my beloved Son, in whom I’m well pleased.” – Matthew 3:16-17
This event mirrored the Old Testament anointing with oil, each king and priest, but as a substitute of physical oil, Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit. This anointing marked the start of his public ministry and revealed him because the Messiah, the last word King, and the achievement of the prophecies of a Savior.
As seen in Acts 2 at Pentecost, believers have been anointed by the Holy Spirit to follow and do God’s works, to take the Messiah’s Gospel to the ends of the earth.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Vasil Dimitrov
