Exodus 29:7

Anointing oil] This oil was specially prepared: see Exodus 30:23, Anointing with oil is an act symbolising a special consecration to the service of God. Jacob anointed the stone at Beth-el with oil (Genesis 28:18 cp. Exodus 31:13; Exodus 35:14), and the tabernacle and its furniture were also anointed (see Exodus 30:26; Leviticus 8:10). Priests were consecrated by anointing (as here) and also kings (see 1 Samuel 10:1; 1 Samuel 16:13; 2 Kings 11:12), who are accordingly called the 'Lord's anointed '(1 Samuel 26:11; 2 Samuel 1:14; Psalms 2:2; Psalms 89:38). The Hebrew word for 'anoint' is mashach, whence is derived the word Messiah, which is used figuratively to describe one who is consecrated by God for a special purpose: cp. e.g. Isaiah 45:1. In a unique sense it denotes the Messiah or Christ, the latter word being the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew term: see Isaiah 61:1; Luke 4:18. In NT. Christians are called the anointed of God, as having received the unction of the Holy Spirit: see 2 Corinthians 1:21; 1 John 2:20; 1 John 2:27.

10-37. The sacrifices of Consecration.

These signify the self-surrender to God of those on whose behalf they are presented, symbolised by the laying of the hands upon the head of the victim and its subsequent slaughter: see on Leviticus 1:4.