31 Uses of Anointing Oil In The Bible

Written by Archbishop E. Bernard Jordan

The anointing oil is a powerful symbol that helps the believer understand the nature of Jesus and his holiness. As we explore the different uses of oil in this book, we get to experience the empowered nature of operating according to God’s calling. In the Bible, the religious significance of oil as a symbol and marker of holiness was as old as the Mosaic tabernacle. Interestingly, its sacred representation came from God Himself when He instructed Moses to build a special space where His holiness is recognized and revered. Exodus 30:22-33 gives the details of divine instruction about the making of the holy anointing oil.

In the physical realm, this oil marks and signals the touch of divine holiness. Without its anointing, there is no holiness. Also, the stunning thing is, according to verse 29, “You shall also consecrate them, that they may be most holy; whatever touches them shall be holy.”

We understand that it was a fatal move for the common people to touch the Ark of the Covenant even if they have a good intention (2 Samuel 6:1-8). But pertaining to things like the altar and laver where the priests offered burnt offerings to God, both the priests and the animal sacrifices that touch these things were being made holy by virtue of God’s anointing declaration. It is a solemn and critical matter that God is approached with holiness. Yet, since man, due to his sinful nature, cannot do this by himself, God allowed him to come under the religious anointing. In this case, it was by God’s declaration that the priests and the Israelites were sanctified to approach Him.

Most importantly, the sacrifices laid on the altar, symbolize atonement. Hence, from this ceremonial perspective, holiness is essentially redemption. Repentant sinners are made holy because God declares and makes them holy by atonement. This was the redemptive backdrop of the holy anointing oil in the tabernacle.