To pour or smear oil on someone.
This was an ancient ritual that was done to show that this person or thing is
holy or set apart from others for some special purpose. The act of anointing
someone imparts the power necessary for their new special purpose.
So
for example in Hebrew culture a King was anointed with oil. This was similar to
what we understand as crowing a king or knighting a knight. In addition to anointing a new King
they would also anoint a High Priest or prophets and so on. It was also used to
honor a special guest in your home. A host would pour perfumed oil on their
guest and bless them.
In Christianity Jesus is considered “the anointed one”. Jesus is referred to
as a "King", a "Prophet" and “the High Priest" as well.
In some circles Christians will dab oil on the forehead of a person when they feel the need to access the power of God for this person. An example of this would be for physical healing or going into the ministry. When the Holy Spirit is moving in a special but powerful way it is referred to as the “Anointing of the Holy Spirit”. People will experience supernatural events like emotional or physical healing. They will suddenly understand spiritual concepts that were confusing before that moment and other amazing events that will be considered life changing at the time or in hindsight.
In some circles Christians will dab oil on the forehead of a person when they feel the need to access the power of God for this person. An example of this would be for physical healing or going into the ministry. When the Holy Spirit is moving in a special but powerful way it is referred to as the “Anointing of the Holy Spirit”. People will experience supernatural events like emotional or physical healing. They will suddenly understand spiritual concepts that were confusing before that moment and other amazing events that will be considered life changing at the time or in hindsight.
