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Anoint

What was Anoint?

The term anoint in Exodus 40 refers to the sacred practice of consecrating or setting apart people, objects, or spaces for holy service to the Lord. In Hebrew, the word is מָשַׁח (māšaḥ), meaning “to smear, rub with oil, or consecrate.” Anointing was not merely a ceremonial act; it symbolized divine selection, empowerment, and sanctification for a holy purpose. In the context of Exodus 40, the act of anointing was part of the final preparations for the dedication of the tabernacle, the tent of meeting that God instructed Moses to build as a place where He would dwell among His people.

In Exodus 40:9–15, God instructs Moses to anoint the tabernacle, all its furnishings, and the priests—Aaron and his sons—so that they may serve in sacred duties. This marked the transition from ordinary to holy, from common use to divine appointment.

“Take the anointing oil and anoint the tabernacle and everything in it; consecrate it and all its furnishings, and it will be holy.” – Exodus 40:9, NIV

Biblical References

Explanation of the Anointing in Exodus 40

In Exodus 40, after the tabernacle is assembled, God commands Moses to anoint each part of it—from the Ark of the Covenant to the altar of burnt offering. The anointing oil was specially prepared and sacred (Exodus 30:23–33). It was not to be used for any ordinary person or purpose. By anointing each item, Moses consecrated them, setting them apart as holy to the Lord. The priests, too, were anointed, symbolizing their divine calling to mediate between God and Israel.

Anointing here was an act of obedience, done exactly as the Lord commanded. It was not mystical in itself, but deeply symbolic—it represented God‘s choosing, His presence, and His empowering.

Historical Context

The practice of anointing was common in the ancient Near East, often used in coronations and religious rituals. However, in Israel, the practice was uniquely theocentric—it was a sign of divine appointment. The tabernacle, which had been constructed over several chapters (Exodus 25-40), was finally completed, and God was preparing it for His indwelling presence. The act of anointing in Exodus 40 sealed this holy purpose.

The priests’ anointing also marked a transition. Aaron and his sons were no longer merely descendants of Levi—they were now consecrated to a lifelong service in the house of God.

Theological Implications

Anointing represents God’s sovereign choice and sanctification. Those or that which is anointed belongs to God. The practice in Exodus 40 teaches that nothing can be used for holy purposes unless God sanctifies it.

Anointing also anticipates the ministry of the Holy Spirit, who anoints believers today (2 Corinthians 1:21-22; 1 John 2:20). In the Old Testament, oil symbolized the Spirit’s presence; in the New Testament, the Spirit Himself is the anointing.

Moreover, Exodus 40 foreshadows the high priestly ministry of Christ, the Anointed One. The Hebrew word Messiah and the Greek word Christos both mean “Anointed One.” Jesus is the fulfillment of all anointing in the Old Testament—He is Prophet, Priest, and King.

Literary Analysis

Exodus 40 marks the climax of the book’s second half, which details God’s instructions for worship. The repetition of the phrase “as the Lord commanded Moses” (used more than seven times in this chapter) emphasizes strict obedience to God’s directives in consecrating His house.

The structure of Exodus 40 is carefully crafted:

  • Verses 1–15: God gives commands to Moses

  • Verses 16–33: Moses fulfills those commands

  • Verses 34–38: God’s glory fills the tabernacle

The anointing portion (vv. 9–15) serves as the spiritual hinge between preparation and divine inhabitation.

Cross-References

Application for Today’s Christians

The principle of anointing in Exodus 40 reminds believers today that:

  • God sets people apart for holy purposes. Every Christian, as part of the “royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9), is called to live a sanctified life.

  • The presence of God demands holiness. As God anointed the tabernacle and filled it with His glory, so He fills His people, the new temple (1 Corinthians 6:19), with His Spirit.

  • True ministry flows from God’s anointing. Spiritual service is not based on talent alone but divine empowerment.

  • Jesus is the ultimate Anointed One, and all believers are united with Him in His anointing.

God’s Love Revealed

God’s instructions to anoint every aspect of the tabernacle and the priests show His deep care for His people’s worship and well-being. He did not leave them to guess how to approach Him. By providing clear instructions and granting His presence, He showed that He desires to dwell with His people. In Christ, the Anointed One, God has ultimately come to dwell with us (John 1:14), and through His Spirit, continues to be with us today.

How Anoint Points to Jesus

Jesus is the fulfillment of the anointing system:

He was not anointed with oil, but with the Holy Spirit. His anointing was perfect, eternal, and complete. All who are in Him share in that anointing (2 Corinthians 1:21-22).

Broader Biblical Themes

  • Holiness – God‘s people and His space must be set apart for Him

  • Obedience – God‘s commands in worship are not optional

  • Divine Presence – God dwells among those who are consecrated

  • Mediation – The priesthood points to Christ as the perfect mediator

  • Spiritual Empowerment – Anointing as a symbol of the Spirit’s enablement

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the idea of anointing shape your view of Christian service and leadership today?

  2. Are there areas in your life that need to be “set apart” for God’s use?

  3. What does it mean for you personally that you are anointed by the Holy Spirit?

  4. How does Jesus‘ role as the Anointed One affect your worship, trust, and obedience?

  5. What lessons can we draw from God’s detailed care in consecrating the tabernacle for how we treat our bodies, time, and talents today?

This article helps us see that anointing was not just ancient ritual—it points us forward to Jesus and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit in every believer’s life.

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