Historical Origins And Development Of Anointing The Sick With Oil

Anointing with oil is one of the oldest human rituals. It is frequently mentioned in Scripture and played an important role in the life of the early church. This article traces the history of this sacred action, concentrating on the ancient and medieval periods. Ancient peoples used olive oil in several ways. Shepherds poured it on the scratched and wounded heads of sheep entering the fold at eventide (Ps. 23:5). Kings, prophets, and priests were anointed as a consecration to their sacred tasks. In the Scriptures, Aaron and his sons are anointed at the initiation of the Levitical priesthood (Lev. 8:30); both Saul and David are anointed to their kingships (1 Sam. 10:1; for Saul; and 1 Sam. 16:13; 2 Sam. 2:4; 5:3; for David); and Elijah was instructed to anoint Elisha as a prophet (1 Kings 19:16). Both men (2 Sam. 12:20) and women (Ruth 3:3) employed oil as a cosmetic. It appears that a good host was expected to pour oil on the heads of his guests as a courtesy. Jesus administers a reb…