The use and popularity of anointing oil are starting to spread across the globe as believers are delving deeper into the GOD-given meaning and power of Biblical customs. Many are recognizing the connection between the church and the chosen nation of Israel, which is described in Romans 11 verse 11 to 24. The church finds its roots, and according to Genesis 22 verse 18, also its blessing in the descendants of Abraham.
Personal anointing with oil is one of the practices Israel has kept since ancient times as a means of securing GOD’s blessings. We read of various early Bible characters engaging in the act of anointing, including Jacob, Esther, Ruth and David. Even in the New Covenant, the habit continues, with JESUS even prescribing it to HIS disciples.
Knowing the Biblical roots of anointing oil helps us to better understand how to use it, and probably leads to questions like: “What anointing oil should I use?”
The original Scriptural instruction was to use first-pressed olive oil as base. When the olive fruits are pressed, the initial oil yielded is known as first-pressed oil and is of a much higher quality than the subsequent oil produced. It’s not just a matter of using quality oil, but bear in mind the value that GOD places on the principle of first fruits and sacrificing the first portion of the harvest.
The olive tree and oil carry a wealth of Scriptural meaning, and significantly, the MESSIAH is described as a special branch bringing righteousness to the world in Isaiah 11, Jeremiah 23 and 33 as well as Zechariah 3 and 6. The word MESSIAH is a transliteration of the Hebrew word ‘meshiahh’, which comes from the root ‘mashahh’ meaning ‘to smear’. The verb ‘mashahh’ is also translated as ‘anointed’. The noun ‘meshiahh’ literally means, ‘One who is smeared with oil for an office of authority’, such as a king.
The fragrant side of anointing oil carries a special significance of its own, each according to the combination of botanical extracts used for that specific blend.
Thirty-three species of fragrant plants are referenced in the Bible and the ancient nation of Israel was well versed in the use of plants and herbs to promote well-being, physical healing and spiritual enrichment during worship and prayer.
We’ve summarized the main essences, highlighting the Biblical origin that led to the unique purpose of each flavor:
Frankincense & Myrrh are symbolic of Healing or Intercession. Both Frankincense and Myrrh have significant healing abilities. Frankincense was used in the temple on the Altar of Incense and also features in Revelations 5 verse 8 as the bowl of incense – Frankincense being the primary aromatic from which incense was made. Frankincense and Myrrh were given to baby JESUS alongside gold, prophetic of HIS role as Priest and Prophet.
Myrrh featured as a burial spice and also as a means of purification during bridal preparation, as illustrated in Song of Solomon 1 verse 13 and prior to the coronation of a queen, as seen in Esther 2 verse 12. Myrrh is significant of suffering, death and our salvation in YESHUA / JESUS. The Bride purifies herself and prepares to meet her BRIDEGROOM. In dying to self, she can become one with the KING, receiving her healing, salvation and new life in HIM.
Spikenard is symbolic of Worship and Praise. It’s the rare and very expensive oil Mary of Bethany poured out over JESUS’ head and feet in John 12 verse 2 to 3, anointing HIM and preparing HIS body for burial. JESUS called it a “beautiful thing” and an act that “will be told in her memory…throughout the whole world…” The pure Spikenard oil Mary poured out was the equivalent of an average laborer’s annual wage, which places her sacrificial act of devotion into perspective. Spikenard is associated with intimacy with the BRIDEGROOM, extravagant adoration and worship and sacrifice that overlooks the cost of love.
Rose of Sharon is symbolic of the Beauty of the Beloved. In Song of Solomon 2 verse 1 the Beloved is described as “…the rose of Sharon…” symbolizing the potential of beauty flowering in harsh, unfavorable circumstances. This light, floral scent is from a flower of the hibiscus family, originating from the region of Sharon on the Mediterranean coast of Israel. Just like the prophet Isaiah describes the Bride as radiant with heavenly glory and honor, the Rose of Sharon is a beautiful and glorious flower.
Lily of the Valley is symbolic of purity of heart. Exuding a light and crisp fragrance, Lily of the Valley is known to have delicate white flowers. This trait is complemented by the picture of purity Song of Solomon 2 verse 2 paints: “As the lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters.” In Matthew 6 verse 28 to 29 JESUS tells us to: “Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” For the Beloved, there is care and provision under the wing of her BRIDEGROOM. She can rest in HIS love as she remains pure, sweet and unblemished in a cruel world.
Balm of Gilead is symbolic of healing. Jeremiah 8 verse 22 poses the question: “Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then has not the health of the daughter of my people been restored?” And indeed, the LORD has provided us with a means for healing. Balm of Gilead was a rare perfume used for medicinal purposes and is named according to its area of origin, Gilead. Cuts are made to the bark of the native balsam trees, after which just a few drops of resin is produced. When left to stand, it takes on a golden, translucent appearance. Gilead balsam is famous for its antibacterial ability and is also widely used as a pain killer. The Balm of Gilead anointing oil is infused with this golden balsam resin and fragranced with Rose of Sharon and mint essential oil.
Cinnamon is said to be symbolic of holy boldness. One of the key ingredients in the holy anointing oil which Exodus 30 verse 23 depicts, it’s the rich seasoning that ignites passion to act courageously. The meaning of Cinnamon translates to ‘standing upright’ or ‘to erect’, which also correlates to the way Cinnamon barks are packed in upright layers. We are here reminded of the fact that we find our righteousness, our holiness and our ability to stand upright in CHRIST. We can stand in boldness through and because of HIM.
In the Holy Land we know today, there are still sons of Abraham practicing the art of making anointing oil according to Biblical tradition – from the specific olive oil base, the fragrant supplement, right through to the prayer that consecrates the oil for use in GOD’s plans and purposes. Authentic Israel anointing oil is made in the places where the events of the Bible played out, and it carries a special significance because it’s produced from oils harvested in that very places today. Moreover, when you purchase anointing oil that is delivered to you direct from the Holy Land, you know that its composition is according to Scriptural specification, prepared by and prayed over by people who have been studying GOD’s Word throughout their lives.
Then there’s another reason why so many people prefer to order their anointing oil direct from Israel – it’s a means for them to bless, in turn, the country and the people in which their own blessing is rooted.
How do you pray over anointing oil?
What is Anointing Oil used for?
What anointing oil should I use?
What are the ingredients of anointing oil?
What does it mean to be anointed with oil?
How do you receive the anointing of GOD?
Where does anointing of the sick take place?
What oils are in anointing oil?
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