December 2002

Contents for this issue:

- the "Anointed One" and some background on anointing;
- questions related to anointing and priests;
- launch of a new website called BibleWise.com.
___________

Because it is the Christmas season, I thought this would
be a good time to look more deeply at the practice of
anointing in Bible times. After all, the word
translated "Messiah" in the Old Testament means
"anointed one." The Greek word translated Christ and
used in the New Testament also means "anointed."

The Hebrews anointed both objects (the alter, the
Tabernacle, the laver) and people in a sacred and
official manner. Anointing, or pouring oil upon the
head to consecrate, was generally reserved for priests
and kings.

The first mention of anointing in the Bible occurs in
Genesis when Jacob anoints the stone, or pillar, he used
as a pillow when he dreamt about a ladder with angels of
God on it. (Genesis 28:10-19)

Aaron and his sons were anointed at God's command to
"consecrate them, and sanctify them" as priests.
Exodus 28:41)

Samuel, who was both a prophet and a priest, anointed
the first two Hebrew kings, Saul and David. Zadok
anointed Solomon, David's successor. (I Kings 1:39)

Interestingly, Cyrus, king of Persia, is described in
Isaiah as the Lord's "anointed." According to Bible
scholar Thomas Leishman, Cyrus was "not a follower of
the Jewish religion, but a disciple of the Persian
prophet Zoroaster." Cyrus is best known for conquering
Babylon and shortly thereafter giving permission to the
Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their Temple."
(p. 65.) Leishman compelling explains that Cyrus "was
indeed well fitted to play the role assigned to him by
Deutero-Isaiah," politically, personally, and
religiously.

The author of the epistle to the Hebrews makes the
argument that Christ Jesus is "a priest for ever after
the order of Melchisedec." (Hebrews 5:10; Psalms 110:4)
When Jesus was in the synagogue at Nazareth, he read
from the book of Isaiah: "The Spirit of the Lord God is
upon me, because the Lord hath anointed me to preach
good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up
the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives,
and the opening of the prison to them that are
bound...." Then, he boldly announced, "This day is
this scripture fulfilled in your ears." (Luke 4:21)

With the advent of Christ Jesus, known as "priest," the
"KING OF KINGS," and "prophet," the history of anointing
one chosen by God for the performance of His work came
to a climax.

To learn more on this topic, I highly recommend this
book:
Thomas Linton Leishman. "Interrelation of the Old and
New Testaments." New York: Vantage Press, 1968.

Below are twelve questions related to anointing and
some of the better known priests. You might like to use
these questions with your Sunday School students after
you've introduced them to the topics of anointing and
priests.

1. What does anoint mean? (For the answer, please see
a Bible dictionary.)

2. Please name the priest who anointed Saul the first
king of the Hebrews. I Samuel 10:1

3. Who was anointed king by Samuel "in the midst of his
brethren?" I Samuel 16:13

4. David spared the life of Saul because Saul was "the
Lord's anointed." What proof did David offer
showing that he had the opportunity to kill Saul?
I Samuel 24:10, 11

5. Please name the priest who "took an horn of oil out
of the tabernacle, and anointed Solomon."
I Kings 1:39

6. Please name the man mentioned in Genesis who was
King of Salem and priest of the most High God.
Genesis 14:18

7. Please name the Persian king whom Isaiah called the
Lord's "anointed?" Isaiah 45:1

8. In Bible times both priests and kings were anointed.
Please name a priest and a king.

9. Please name the priest in Shiloh who observed Hannah
praying. I Samuel 1:9-20

10. Hilkiah was the priest during the reign of King
Josiah in Judah. What did Hilkiah find in the
Temple? II Kings 22:8

11. To whom was Zacharias, a priest and "righteous"
man, married? Luke 1:5-25

12. Of the New Testament authors, which one compares
Christ Jesus to the Old Testament king and priest,
Melchisedec?
______________

Genelle Austin-Lett of Los Gatos, California is the
Executive Director of a helpful new website called
www.BibleWise.com. Here's what she wrote me about this
site:

"BibleWise.com provides information and activities for
every member of the family. BibleWise was started to
help Sunday School teachers, pupils, and parents become
more familiar with the rich treasures of the Bible.
Every problem we're facing is answered in some way
through a prayerful study of the Bible. I can't think
of a family activity more worthwhile than reading and
studying the Bible together. There are such great
lessons for all of us."

Hope you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Yours truly,

Joan Koelle Snipes

Volume 2; No. 6
Published six times a year by:
Bible Teaching Press
2016 Willowdale Drive
Shepherdstown, WV 25443
304-876-1332


To read the preface, introduction and bibliography of
my book, "That Ye May Teach the Children," please visit:
www.signature-book.com and go to the book shelf section.

To be removed from this list of e-newsletter
subscribers, please send a return email to
snipes@principia.edu and put the word remove in the
body of the email.