The Many Uses of Anointing Oils in the Bible

Anointing Oilsholy use. "Moreover the Lord spoke to Moses,
Throughout history, and the Bible anointing wassaying: "Also take for yourself quality spices-five
used for a variety of reasons. There are severalhundred shekels of liquid myrrh, half as much
biblical scriptures that point to specific uses forsweet-smelling cinnamon, two hundred and fifty
anointing. Most commonly anointing was seen asshekels of sweet-smelling cane, five hundred
an act of setting one apart and dedication to God.shekels of cassia, according to the shekel of the
sanctuary, and a hin of olive oil. And you shall
Myrrh is mentioned several times throughout themake from these a holy anointing oil, an ointment
Bible. It was presented to the baby Jesus at hiscompounded according to the art of the
birth. It was also offered to him before his death,perfumer. It shall be a holy anointing oil. With it
and used to prepare his body for burial. Myrrhyou shall anoint the tabernacle of meeting and the
was also mentioned in the book of Esther. Estherark of the Testimony, the table and all its utensils,
used oil to prepare herself for her king. It was atthe lamp stand and its utensils, and the alter of
times used to purify.incense; the altar of burnt offering with all its
Frankincense-utensils, and the laver and its base. You shall
In Biblical times Frankincense was burned morningconsecrate them, that they may be most holy;
and evening on the inner alter of the tabernacles.whatever touches them must be holy." (Exodus
It was also one of the gifts given to the baby30: 22-29 the New King James Version).
Jesus at his birth.References of those who were anointed are
Cinnamon anointing oil-given throughout the scripture. High priests, sacred
Cinnamon was one of the ingredients that Godvessels, prophets, and Jesus himself were all
told Moses to use when preparing the holyanointed. When a king was anointed, it was
anointing oil. Throughout much of historyequivalent to being crowned.
Cinnamon was a very expensive spice. Along withSome other common uses for anointing oil were:
being anointing oil, cinnamon was also used as aTo refresh ones body, this is still practiced in
perfume.some countries today.
Spikenard anointing oils-It was a sign of hospitality.
Spikenard was used by Mary of Bethany toIt was applied to the sick, and wounds.
anoint the feet of Jesus two days before hisIt was used to prepare shields for battle.
death. This was rare and expensive oil.It was used to prepare bodies for burial.
Anointing oil is used for a variety of reasons.Anointing is still practiced today within the Christian
Exodus 30 mentions the Holy anointing oil. Thisfaith for many of the same reasons. There are a
scripture gives the recipe for the mixture, and itvariety of different anointing oils available for
is to be used for consecration to a scared andpurchase.