Throughout history, and the Bible anointing was used for a variety of reasons. There are several biblical scriptures that point to specific uses for anointing. Most commonly anointing was seen as an act of setting one apart and dedication to God.



Myrrh-

Myrrh is mentioned several times throughout the Bible. It was presented to the baby Jesus at his birth. It was also offered to him before his death, and used to prepare his body for burial. Myrrh was also mentioned in the book of Esther. Esther used oil to prepare herself for her king. It was at times used to purify.

Frankincense-

In Biblical times Frankincense was burned morning and evening on the inner alter of the tabernacles. It was also one of the gifts given to the baby Jesus at his birth.

Cinnamon anointing oil-

Cinnamon was one of the ingredients that God told Moses to use when preparing the holy anointing oil. Throughout much of history Cinnamon was a very expensive spice. Along with being anointing oil, cinnamon was also used as a perfume.

Spikenard anointing oils-

Spikenard was used by Mary of Bethany to anoint the feet of Jesus two days before his death. This was rare and expensive oil.

Anointing oil is used for a variety of reasons. Exodus 30 mentions the Holy anointing oil. This scripture gives the recipe for the mixture, and it is to be used for consecration to a scared and holy use. "Moreover the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: "Also take for yourself quality spices-five hundred shekels of liquid myrrh, half as much sweet-smelling cinnamon, two hundred and fifty shekels of sweet-smelling cane, five hundred shekels of cassia, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, and a hin of olive oil. And you shall make from these a holy anointing oil, an ointment compounded according to the art of the perfumer. It shall be a holy anointing oil. With it you shall anoint the tabernacle of meeting and the ark of the Testimony, the table and all its utensils, the lamp stand and its utensils, and the alter of incense; the altar of burnt offering with all its utensils, and the laver and its base. You shall consecrate them, that they may be most holy; whatever touches them must be holy." (Exodus 30: 22-29 the New King James Version). References of those who were anointed are given throughout the scripture. High priests, sacred vessels, prophets, and Jesus himself were all anointed. When a king was anointed, it was equivalent to being crowned.

Some other common uses for anointing oil were:

To refresh ones body, this is still practiced in some countries today.

It was a sign of hospitality.

It was applied to the sick, and wounds.

It was used to prepare shields for battle.

It was used to prepare bodies for burial.

Anointing is still practiced today within the Christian faith for many of the same reasons. There are a variety of different anointing oils available for purchase.