Why Is Oil Used in Anointing?
The English word "anoint" comes from the Latin word meaning "smear with oil" It appears in more than 150 Scriptures. There are many kinds of anointing oil with various aromas and significance. Anointing oil is not ritualistic or magical; there are Spiritual and practical reasons
Medicinal
Medical ointment. Anointing oil was used in ancient times as a treatment for breathing difficulties, nervous tension, ointment and soothing balms. The Good Samaritan in the Christian Gospel used oil and wine to bind up the wounds of a beaten man. (Luke 10:34) Today Anointing Oils are used in holistic medicines.
Cosmetics
The Egyptians, Greeks and Romans used anointing oils to the head and clothing as a moisturizing perfume. In the Hebrew Scripture, Ruth put on oils after she bathed to meet her future husband.
Aroma Therapy
Aroma therapy uses essential oils for a psychological boost. The same oil that Mary Magdalene used to anoint Jesus before he was crucified, can be used to enhance your well-being. Spikenard, a warm and earthy scent is said to calm the nerves, promote awareness and strengthen the mind.
Rituals
Oil was used and still is used for special consecration services for setting aside someone for special service. It is used in this sense as an object lesson for symbolic procedure of setting apart.
Prayer
Anointing oil is often used as a physical representation of a Spiritual reality. The spiritual reality is the Holy Spirit. We cannot see the Holy Spirit, but the oil represents His work through prayer. The oil in this case can representation liberation, consecration or preparation.
Tags: Holy Spirit, Used Anointing