Ointment
Summary
Ointment in Scripture refers to perfumed oil preparations used for anointing the body, embalming the dead, and in sacred religious ceremonies.
☩Composition and Preparation
Ointments were typically olive oil-based preparations compounded with aromatic spices and perfumes. The sacred anointing oil prescribed in Exodus contained pure myrrh, sweet cinnamon, sweet calamus, cassia, and olive oil in specific proportions. Secular ointments varied in composition and value, with some like pure spikenard being extremely costly. Apothecaries or perfumers prepared these compounds, which were stored in alabaster boxes or cruses to preserve their fragrance. The profession of ointment-making was well established in Israel.
☩Uses of Ointment
Ointments served multiple purposes in ancient life. They were applied to the head and body as cosmetics, particularly at feasts and celebrations, signifying honor to guests. Hosts would anoint the heads of their guests as a mark of hospitality. The dead were anointed with ointments as part of burial preparations, as women intended to do for Jesus after His crucifixion. Medicinally, ointments were applied to wounds and sores for healing. The sacred anointing oil was restricted exclusively for consecrating the tabernacle, its vessels, and the priests, with severe penalties for unauthorized use or imitation.
☩Notable Biblical Examples
Mary of Bethany anointed Jesus with a pound of pure spikenard ointment worth three hundred denarii (nearly a year's wages), an act of extravagant devotion that Jesus defended as preparation for His burial. A sinful woman similarly anointed Jesus' feet with ointment at Simon the Pharisee's house, receiving forgiveness for her many sins. Solomon speaks of the reputation being more valuable than precious ointment, comparing a good name's lasting fragrance to that of fine perfume.
Related Verses33 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Ointment," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. VII (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Ointment," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).