ANOINTING, the application or pouring of oil on a person or an
object as a sacred rite, practiced from time immemorial by
various peoples and in several religions. It is known in Arabic
as mash. Anointing was common for both religious and mundane
purposes, to consecrate certain persons or set particular things
apart as sacred. Jacob took the stone he had used for his pillow
and set it up as a monument, pouring oil over the top of it (Gn.
28:18, 31:13). Mosaic law prescribed the anointing of persons,
places, and vessels in consecrating the tabernacle of the
congregation, the Ark of the Covenant, the table and its
furnishings, the lampstand and its accessories, the altar of
burnt offering, the altar of incense and their vessels, and the
basin and its stand (Ex. 30:23-28). Priests, prophets, and kings
were also anointed to consecrate their lives to the service of
God. Self-anointing with fragrant oil and unguents was a common
practice as a sign of gladness of celebration and as an
indication that a period of mou