Anointing is a common practice among Christians and dates back to the days of the Bible. The spiritual ceremony usually involves the use of an aromatic oil called the Holy Anointing oil.

In biblical days both people and places were usually anointed with oil.  Anointing oil is mentioned in the bible, particularly the old testament – whenever God intended to bless his people.

Anointing is also a symbol of title, typically preceding kingship or priesthood in both testaments. As believers in Christ, anointing oils represent God’s blessings, protection, empowerment and healing.

Holy Anointing Oil is Not Just Olive Oil

Many people believe anointing oil is made from olive oil. While this is partially true, olive oil is only one of the few components of the oil.

In Exodus 30, verses 23 to 26, God gave Moses instructions on how to make this oil. The scripture in NIV reads;

“Then the Lord said to Moses, “Take the following fine spices: 500 shekels of liquid myrrh, half as much (that is, 250 shekels) of fragrant cinnamon, 250 shekels of fragrant calamus, 500 shekels of cassia—all according to the sanctuary shekel—and a hint of olive oil. Make these into a sacred anointing oil, a fragrant blend, the work of a perfumer”

In the scripture, God sets the oils apart as a sign of his unending holiness and confers the holy anointing oil with powers of making people holy.

God instructs that the mix should only be used in the sanctuary. It was only to be used by priests in the house of God for consecration. That is why today, you won’t find anointing oils of the composition mentioned in the bible anywhere.

Today, most of the anointing oils you will find have some extra ingredients. The extra ingredients are so they do not have the same composition as the one in Exodus.

Anointing Oil was mentioned 20 times in the scripture

Anointing oil is mentioned 20 times in the bible. The majority of these mentions are found in the old testament. It was first mentioned in Exodus chapter 30 when God gave Moses the recipe to prepare it.

Anointing oil is sometimes also called of holy anointing oil as it is mentioned in Exodus 25:6; Leviticus 8:30 and Numbers 4:1.

In the old testament, it is mentioned 15 times. Mostly associated with priesthood and kingship. Notable examples include David when he was to be crowned king in 1st Samuel chapter 16. Aaron and his family were anointed as well, commissioning them as priests on the altar. In the new testament, however, anointing oil appears only five times.

Anointing was a Daily Tradition in the Bible

When you hear of anointing, it’s most likely an elaborate religious ceremony comes to mind. Well, asides from being part of the processes involved in kingship and priesthood, the Hebrew people use it daily.

Every day, as part of their traditional dressing, Hebrews anointed themselves with oil. It was probably just like we use lotions and body creams today.  A good example of this is seen in the new testament in Matthew 6 verse 17. There Jesus said “…But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face,”

Also, the Hebrews use anointing oils when welcoming people to their home. As a sign of hospitality and honor, they would sometimes anoint people in their homes. This is seen in Mark chapter 14 verses 3 to 9 where Mary, one of Jesus’ disciples, anointed his feet.

Anointing Oil was Important for Healing

Anointing oil in the bible, is synonymous with healing. Traditionally, the Hebrews would apply anointing oil to wounds and the bodies of people who are ill. The application was more like a treatment procedure rather than a religious process for healing.

In Jeremiah chapter 8 verse 22, God spoke through the prophet Jeremiah. There he asks “Is there no balm in Gilead? Why then is there no healing for the wound of my people?” Also, in the story of the good Samaritan, Jesus narrates that the man applied oil to the wounds of the man.

After the death of Jesus, things took a different turn. By faith, the disciples anointed people and they were healed of their diseases.

In James chapter 5 verse 14, James tells believers to visit the elders whenever they were ill. According to him, the elders would pray for them and they would receive their healing. Till date, it is a spiritual ceremony performed by Christians around the world to invoke God’s healing.

Anointing Oil Offered Protection during Warfare

Anointing oil in the bible was part of preparations for war. As part of their preparation for war, the children of Israel usually anointed their shield with oil.

According to the instruction of God, the shields that were anointed became fortified. In Isaiah chapter 21 verse 5, God commands the Princes of Israel to “anoint the shields”. This was as part of God’s instructions to them to lead a war against God’s enemies.

Till date, anointing oil is still used for warfare. Even though, the use is more contextual than it was in Isaiah. Now, as Christians, we use anointing oils in fortifying ourselves against spiritual wars as Paul advised in Ephesians 6:12.

At Holy Shaya we have created a very unique anointing oil according to the recipe in the Bible.  Our oils are made with the purest of ingredients in obedience to the commandment of God in Exodus chapter 23, We have added only the purest Myrrh oil, Calamus oil, Cinnamon oil, Cassia oil, Olive oil with Grapeseed oil in all our anointing oils.

Anoint yourself and use God’s gift of Holy oils to reconnect with your spirit for spiritual reawakening.