When to anoint

AFTER CLEANSING

“I washed you in water; yes, I thoroughly washed off your blood, and I anointed you with oil.” (Ezekiel 16: 9)

AFTER REPENTING FROM SIN AND AS AN ACT OF REDEDICATION AFTER A FALL

"So David arose from the ground, washed and anointed himself ..."  

(2 Samuel 12: 20)

TO DEDICATE AN OBJECT IN THE SERVICE OF THE LORD

"And you shall take the anointing oil, and anoint the tabernacle and all that is in it." (Exodus 40:9-11). Practical examples today might include a church, a home or even a musical instrument which is used for worship.

PRIOR TO GOING INTO BATTLE OR WARFARE AND IN NEED OF PROTECTION

"Prepare the table, set a watchman in the tower, eat and drink. Arise princes, anoint the shield." (Isaiah 21: 5)

WHEN PREPARING TO SERVE THE LORD IN A SPECIAL WAY

"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good tidings to the poor." (Isaiah 61: 1)

Throughout Bible times, people, places and objects have all been anointed with oil. Once we begin to understand the different reasons for anointing to take place, we can begin to understand something of the breadth of things that may be anointed. Here are a few suggestions:

PEOPLE  - family members, ministry workers, friends etc.

BUILDINGS  - places of worship, houses, offices etc.

POSSESSIONIS  - bed and pillow (especially if having ungodly dreams or sleeplessness), cars etc.