How to Use Anointing Oil

The use of oil to anoint comes originally from the shepherds of ancient times. The shepherd poured an oil mixture on a sheep’s head for protection from enemies and sicknesses. It became a sign of blessing, protection and empowerment. This is the reason why David wrote that the Lord prepares a table for him in front of his enemies, that He anoints his head with oil and that goodness and mercy will follow him (Ps 23).

God gave the command to anoint kings, priests, leaders and furniture (Ex 28:41 & 30:26). Jacob also anointed an area in Gen 28:18. To anoint served as a declaration of His plans and purposes for people, furniture, places, as well as for the sick to be healed – because of the price that Jesus paid for our diseases (Jam 5:14 Is 53:5).

Olive oil was always used as a basis for the anointing oil in Biblical times and became a symbol of the Holy Spirit because of an olive oil vision when God said that certain things will not be accomplished by man’s might, but only by His Spirit’s power (Zec 4:6). It is by the Holy Spirit’s power and workings that all things anointed will change according to God’s plan. When Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit He was anointed with power, enabled to preach, to heal and to set free (Luk 4 Act 10:38). As Christians we have this anointing in us to be used as instruments for the fulfilment of His plan (2Cor 1:21,22). Therefore we can ask Him when and how we should anoint.

Whether you can anoint yourself, is answered by David when he declares that the Lord anoints him with oil. The Lord can use someone to anoint us or He can use our own hands as instruments to do His anointing as a reminder of His anointing in us.