The Anointed One
Anointed with holy oil for sacred service.
AI-generated artistic depiction (no historical imagery exists)
The Anointed One is a figure or object set apart by the application of holy anointing oil, a sacred compound prepared by an apothecary (Exodus 30:25). This anointing consecrates persons and items for divine service, as seen when Moses anoints Aaron and his sons to minister as priests (Exodus 28:41, Exodus 29:7, Exodus 30:30). The tabernacle, its furnishings, and the altar are also anointed to hallow them (Exodus 30:26, Exodus 40:9-11).
Lore & Background
The anointing oil is a specially blended ointment, designated as holy and reserved for consecration (Exodus 30:25, Exodus 30:31). It is used to anoint Aaron and his sons, setting them apart for the priesthood, and this anointing is passed to subsequent generations (Exodus 40:15). The oil is also applied to the tabernacle, the ark, the altar of burnt offering, and the laver, making them holy (Exodus 40:9-11). In the priestly ordination, anointing is combined with blood from the altar to hallow Aaron, his garments, and his sons (Exodus 29:21). The anointing oil is listed alongside spices for incense and oil for the light, indicating its integral role in tabernacle worship (Exodus 25:6, Exodus 35:8, Exodus 35:28). The oil is made by Bezalel and his team according to divine instructions (Exodus 37:29). The anointing of the altar involves a daily sin offering for atonement, after which the altar is anointed to sanctify it (Exodus 29:36). The anointing oil is kept in the tabernacle and is part of the inventory of holy items (Exodus 31:11, Exodus 35:15, Exodus 39:38).
Reader's Guide
The passages portray the Anointed One primarily as a priestly figure—Aaron and his sons—who are physically anointed with oil to signify their consecration for ministry (Exodus 28:41, Exodus 29:7, Exodus 30:30). This anointing is not merely symbolic but is a ritual act that transfers holiness, making the priests fit to serve at the altar (Exodus 29:21). The oil itself is a holy compound, not to be used for common purposes (Exodus 30:31). Beyond persons, the anointing extends to the tabernacle and its vessels, including the altar and laver, which are sanctified through the oil (Exodus 40:9-11). The altar is anointed after atonement is made, linking anointing with purification (Exodus 29:36). The anointing oil is consistently listed with other sacred items like incense and lamp oil, emphasizing its place in the regular worship system (Exodus 25:6, Exodus 35:8, Exodus 35:28). The anointing of Aaron establishes a perpetual priesthood, as his sons are anointed in the same manner for an everlasting priesthood (Exodus 40:15). The passages do not describe a messianic or kingly anointed figure; the focus is entirely on the tabernacle priesthood and its consecration.
Did You Know?
- The holy anointing oil was made by an apothecary according to a specific compound (Exodus 30:25, Exodus 37:29).
- Aaron and his sons were anointed with oil poured on their heads to consecrate them as priests (Exodus 29:7, Exodus 30:30).
- The anointing oil was also used to sanctify the tabernacle, the ark, the altar, and the laver (Exodus 40:9-11).
- Anointing was combined with blood from the altar to hallow Aaron, his garments, and his sons (Exodus 29:21).