Anoint

To Anoint, the practice of applying perfumed oil is carried out. It was a common practice among the Hebrews. The act of anointing was significant of consecration to a holy or sacred use. It was used hence for the anointing of the high priest (Exodus 29:29; Leviticus 4:3) and of the sacred vessels (Exodus 30:26).

Priests and kings

High priest and the king are sometimes called "the anointed" (Leviticus 4:3, 5, 16; 6:20; Psalms 132:10). Anointing a king was equivalent to crowning him (1 Samuel 16:13; 2 Samuel 2:4, etc.). Prophets were also anointed (1 Kings 19:16; 1 Chronicles 16:22; Psalms 105:15). The expression, "anoint the shield" (Isaiah 21:5), refers to the custom of rubbing oil on the leather of the shield so as to make it supple and fit for use in war.

Hospitality

Anointing was also an act of hospitality (Luke 7:38, 46). It was the custom of the Jews in like manner to anoint themselves with oil, as a means of refreshing or invigorating their bodies (Deuteronomy 28:40; Ruth 3:3; 2 Samuel 14:2; Psalms 104:15, etc.). This custom is continued among the Arabians to the present day.

Medicinal and funerals

Oil was used also for medicinal purposes. It was applied to the sick, and also to wounds (Psalms 109:18; Isaiah 1:6; Gospel of Mark 6:13; James 5:14).

The bodies of the dead were sometimes anointed (Mark 14:8; Luke 23:56).

Messiah

The promised Deliverer is twice called the "Anointed" or Messiah (Psalms 2:2; Daniel 9:25, 26), because he was anointed with the Holy Ghost (Isaiah 61:1), figuratively styled the "oil of gladness" (Psalms 45:7; Hebrews 1:9). According to the New Testament, Jesus of Nazareth is this anointed One, the Messiah of the Old Testament (John 1:41; Acts 9:22; 17:2, 3; 18:5, 28).

Portions from Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897)