The Hebrew word mishchâh, represented by H4888, refers to unction or ointment. It appears 26 times across 24 unique verses. Derived from mâshach H4886, meaning to anoint, mishchâh signifies the act of anointing itself, and by implication, a consecratory gift.
In the biblical narrative, H4888 is used in several key contexts, primarily concerning sacred rituals. It is the key ingredient in the "holy anointing oil" Exodus 30:31, a special ointment created according to the "work of the apothecary" Exodus 37:29. This oil was used to anoint and consecrate the tabernacle and its vessels, making them holy Exodus 40:9. It was also poured upon the head of Aaron and his sons to sanctify them for the priesthood (Exodus 29:7, Leviticus 8:12), establishing an "everlasting priesthood" Exodus 40:15. The portion of offerings given to the priests is referred to as their portion "by reason of the anointing" Numbers 18:8.
Several related words expand upon the concept of anointing and consecration:
- H4886 mâshach (to rub with oil, i.e. to anoint): As the root verb, this describes the action for which mishchâh is used. God anointed His chosen ones for a specific purpose, such as preaching good tidings Isaiah 61:1.
- H8081 shemen (grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness): This is the word for the oil itself, which becomes the anointing ointment. The word is used to describe the "oil of gladness" Psalms 45:7.
- H6942 qâdash (to be...clean...consecrate, dedicate...hallow...sanctify): This term describes the result of the anointing. The anointing oil was used to hallow the tabernacle and all its vessels Exodus 40:9.
- H3548 kôhên (literally one officiating, a priest): The priest is the primary figure set apart by the anointing. Leviticus 21:10 specifically mentions the high priest upon whose head the anointing oil was poured.
The theological weight of H4888 is significant, establishing key principles of worship and service.
- Sanctification of People and Place: The primary purpose of the anointing oil is to hallow or sanctify H6942. It was applied to both the tabernacle and its vessels Exodus 40:9 and to Aaron and his sons to set them apart for the priesthood Leviticus 8:12.
- Symbol of Divine Mandate: The anointing is a "consecratory gift" that signifies God's authority. The oil is called "the anointing oil of the LORD" Leviticus 10:7, and the rights of the priesthood are given "by reason of the anointing" Numbers 18:8, indicating a divinely appointed status.
- Enduring Covenant: The anointing establishes a lasting office. The anointing of Aaron's sons was to be for an "everlasting priesthood throughout their generations" Exodus 40:15, making it a sign of an enduring ordinance.
In summary, H4888 is far more than a simple ointment. It represents the sacred act of anointing, a physical process with profound spiritual implications. It is the means by which people, like the Aaronic priests, and places, like the tabernacle, were consecrated for holy service to God. This anointing served as a tangible sign of a divine, everlasting ordinance, setting apart the chosen for a sacred purpose throughout their generations.
TRV