The Lord is my shepherd, I have all I need...You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Psalm 23:1,5
The anointing oil has its origins from the practice of shepherds in Bible times. It was a common problem that lice and other insects would often get into the wool of sheep and gradually get into their head by entering their ears. This invasion was a major reason for the death of many sheep. The ancient shepherds carried oil with them to pour on their sheep’s heads so they would not die. The oil on the sheep made their wool slippery making it impossible for insects to get near their ears because they would slide off of the oil. From this practice, the anointing oil became symbolic of blessings, empowerment, separation, protection and preservation.
Scriptures about Anointing Oil
Then the Lord said to Moses, “Collect choice spices—12 1⁄2 pounds of pure myrrh, 6 1⁄4 pounds of fragrant cinnamon, 6 1⁄4 pounds of fragrant calamus, and 12 1⁄2 pounds of cassia—as measured by the weight of the sanctuary shekel. Also get one gallon of olive oil. Like a skilled incense maker, blend these ingredients to make a holy anointing oil. Use this sacred oil to anoint the Tabernacle, the Ark of the Covenant, the table and all its utensils, the lampstand and all its accessories, the incense altar, the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, and the washbasin with its stand. Consecrate them to make them absolutely holy. After this, whatever touches them will also become holy." Exodus 30:22-29 ETV
The above scripture gives a description of the anointing oil which comprises of spices and olive oil. The oil is an emblem of the power of the Holy Spirit while the spices represent the fruit of the Holy Spirit. The combination of the character and power of the Holy Spirit is released when the anointing oil is administered on the believer. In Bible times, God’s people were anointed with anointing oil to signify God’s presence, protection and blessings. The anointing oil therefore is a token of the power of God in the form of oil.
Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. James 5:14-15
The faith of the believer for the purpose of anointing is never in the oil but the prayers said over the oil to administer the anointing. It is our priority that there are prayers on our website, Facebook and Instagram so that every area of need will have corresponding choice words of prayer to activate the faith that brings answers. We know from this teaching that our faith is not in the oil but in the prayer of faith.
