Anoint @ The practice of anointing with perfumed oil was common among the Hebrews. (1.) The act of anointing was significant of consecration to a holy or sacred use; hence the anointing of the high priest Exodus:29:29; Leviticus:4:3) and of the sacred vessels Exodus:30:26). The high priest and the king are thus called "the anointed" Leviticus:4:3-5, 16; 6:20; Psalms:132:10). Anointing a king was equivalent to crowning him ( 1Samuel:16:13; 2Samuel:2:4, etc.). Prophets were also anointed (kjvKings:19:16; 1Chronicles:16:22; Psalms:105:15). The expression, "anoint the shield" Isaiah:21:5), refers to the custom of rubbing oil on the leather of the shield so as to make it supple and fit for use in war. (2.) Anointing was also an act of hospitality Luke:7:38Luke:7:46). It was the custom of the Jews in like manner to anoint themselves with oil, as a means of refreshing or invigorating their bodies Deuteronomy:28:40; Ruth:3:3; 2Samuel:14:2; Psalms:104:15, etc.). This custom is continued among the Arabians to the present day. (3.) Oil was used also for medicinal purposes. It was applied to the sick, and also to wounds Psalms:109:18; Isaiah:1:6; Mark:6:13; James:5:14). (4.) The bodies of the dead were sometimes anointed Mark:14:8; Luke:23:56). (5.) The promised Deliverer is twice called the "Anointed" or Messiah Psalms:2:2; Daniel:9:25-26), because he was anointed with the Holy Ghost Isaiah:61:1), figuratively styled the "oil of gladness" Psalms:45:7; Hebrews:1:9). Jesus of Nazareth is this anointed One John:1:41; Acts:9:22Acts:17:2-3Acts:18:5 ,28), the Messiah of the Old Testament.
