The Beautiful Symbolism of God’s Anointing Oil
”And you shall make from these a holy anointing oil.” (Exodus 30:25)
Many churches use anointing oil. Catholics use it in many sacramental ceremonies, and certain evangelicals use it when praying for the sick or dedicating babies. Others might use it personally to anoint a new home, car, or other valuable possession. Before He led the Israelites into the Promised Land, God called Moses to the top of Mount Sinai. Among other instructions, He commanded His Jewish leader to create a holy anointing oinone;>l to dedicate the Tabernacle of Meeting, its contents, and the priests overseeing it (Exodus 25–31).
Ceremonial anointing is a sacred event and different from cultural anointing, such as when the prostitute poured out the oil from her alabaster jar and blessed Jesus’ feet (Luke 7:38). In ceremonial anointing, priests use a special oil reserved for religious purposes. Such was God’s anointing oil in Exodus 30. To keep it holy, God provided Moses with an exact recipe.
“Moreover, the LORD spoke to Moses, saying: ‘Also take for yourself quality spices — five hundred shekels of liquid myrrh, half as much sweet-smelling cinnamon (two hundred and fifty shekels), two hundred and fifty shekels of sweet-smelling cane, five hundred shekels of cassia, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, and a hin of olive oil. And you…