Anoint/Anointed

Anoint means “to pour oil on a person or a thing.” Anointed means “sacred or set apart for God’s use.” Prophets, priests, and kings were anointed with special oil as a sign that God had chosen them for special work. Moses anointed Aaron and Aaron’s sons as the first priests of Israel. The tabernacle and its furniture were anointed.

Hosts anointed their guests as a sign of hospitality. People often poured oil on the heads of important visitors to make them feel better. The Holy Spirit’s presence is another kind of anointing—an anointing of God’s power to do special tasks. Judges like Gideon were anointed by the Spirit. Jesus was anointed by the Spirit of God to do the work God the Father called Him to do.