Editing Anointing (section)

==Hebrew Bible==
[[Image:Samuel e david.jpg|thumb|[[Samuel (Bible)|Samuel]] anoints David, [[Dura Europos]], [[Syria]], Date: 3rd c. CE.]]
Among the [[Hebrews]], the act of anointing with the [[Holy anointing oil]] was significant in [[consecration]] to a [[holy]] or sacred use: hence the anointing of the [[Kohen Gadol|high priest]] ([[Exodus 29:29]]; [[Leviticus 4:3]]) and of the sacred vessels ([[Exodus 30:26]]). Later, Kings and Prophets were given the right to partake in this sacrament as well.

===Medicinal===
Olive oil was used also for medicinal purposes. It was applied to the sick, and also to wounds to soften them ([[Isaiah 1:6]]).

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===
It was the custom of the Jews in like manner to anoint themselves with oil, as a means of refreshing or invigorating their bodies ([[2 Samuel 14:2]]; [[Psalms 104:15]], etc.). The [[Hellenes]] had similar customs. This custom is continued among the Arabs to the present day. Since about 3,000 years ago, Persian Zoroastrians honor their guests with rose extract [Golaab] out of a beautifully designed glass goose-necked bottle, while holding mirror in front of their guest's face. The guest holds his/her palm, collects the rose-water and then spreads the perfumed liquid onto face and sometimes on his/her head. The words of "Rooj kori aka" (have a nice day) might be said as well.

===Priests and kings===
The High Priest and the king are each sometimes called "the anointed" ([[Leviticus 4:3]]-[[Leviticus 4:5|5]], [[Leviticus 4:16]]; [[Leviticus 6:20]]; [[Psalm 132:10]]). Prophets were also anointed with the [[Holy anointing oil]] ([[1 Kings 19:16]]; [[1 Chronicles 16:22]]; [[Psalm 105:15]]).

Anointing a king was equivalent to crowning him; in fact, in Israel a [[Crown (headgear)|crown]] was not required ([[1 Samuel 16:13]]; [[2 Samuel 2:4]], etc.). Thus [[Saul]] (1 Sam 10:1) and [[David]] were anointed as kings by the prophet [[Samuel (Bible)|Samuel]]:

:Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah. - [[1 Samuel 16:13]].