The act of anointing signified consecration to a holy or sacred use, as the act of anointing the Kohen Gadol (high priest; Exodus 29:29; Leviticus 4:3) and the sacred vessels of the mishkan (Tabernacle; Exodus 30:26) demonstrate. The High Priest and the King are called “the anointed” (Leviticus 4:3,5,16; 6:20; Psalms 132:10), and anointing was considered to be a sort of coronation (1 Samuel 16:13; 2 Samuel 2:4, etc.). Prophets were also said to be anointed (1 Kings 19:16; 1 Chronicles 16:22; Psalms 105:15). Yeshua Himself, as the greatest High Priest, King, and Prophet, is called the “Anointed One” or Messiah (Psalms 2:2; Daniel 9:25,26, John 1:41; Acts 9:22; 17:2,3; 18:5, 28).

Moreover, it was customary to anoint oneself with oil as a means of refreshing or invigorating the body (Deuteronomy 28:40; Ruth 3:3; 2 Samuel 14:2; Psalms 104:15, etc.). As such, anointing another with oil was considered an act of hospitality (Luke 7:38,46). Anointing oil was also used for medicinal purposes (Psalms 109:18; Isaiah 1:6; Mark 6:13; James 5:14), and the bodies of the dead were also sometimes anointed (Mark 14:8; Luke 23:56).

The following blessing may be said when smelling the sacred fragrance of anointing oil:

Blessed are Thou, LORD our God, King of the universe,
Creator of fragrant oil.

Transliterated:

Barukh attah Adonai eloheinu melekh ha-olam,
borei shemen arev.

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