Psalm 23:5- You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows

Anointing was an ancient custom practised by the Egyptians, then afterward by the Greeks and Romans. Olive oil was used, either pure or mixed with fragrant and costly spices which were often brought in from a long distance.

Anointing was not only done as part of the ceremony in connection with the coronation of kings (see 2Ki.11:12) and at the installation of the High Priest (Ps.133:2), but also as an act of courtesy and hospitality toward a guest. Thus Jesus accuses Simon of lacking hospitality in neglecting to anoint His head when Simon invited Him to eat with him (Luke 7:46)

Found on Egyptian monuments are illustrations showing guests having their heads anointed.

Oil was used for other parts of the body as well as for the head, and at home as well as when visiting.

Biblical references are numerous: Deut. 28:40, Ruth 3:3, Ps 92:10 and 104:15, Eccl. 9:8, Micah 6:15, Matt. 6:17 and others.

The neglect of anointing was considered a sign of mourning (Sam. 14:2 and Dan.10:3)

Conversely, an anointed face was a sign of joy- oil of gladness (Ps.45:7 and Heb.1:9)

In the opening text, the Psalmist represents himself as an honoured guest of the LORD, who prepares a table for him, hospitably anoints him, and pours out for him such an abundance that his cup overflows.

Anointing is much more than that as well.

Oil is symbolic of the Holy Spirit. Once a month, I take my consecrated olive oil, and make a trip through my house. First I bind a hedge of protection around the house and ask for the sweet presence of the Holy Spirit to fill it.

See, hedges of protection are permeable one way-------->out. And anything of the Adversary can't stay inside when the Holy Spirit is there. Then I ask for warrior angels armored for battle to be stationed inside and out to capture anything of the dark that might be present, come against us, or try to flee, and affirm to Jesus that I give them to Him, to do with according to His perfect will.

Then, I go and anoint the windows, the doors, always leaving one egress open so the dark has a place to exit. When I have done all that, then I anoint and close the last door or window.

I have been told by one of my wiccan friends that it's like walking into an inferno to visit my home. She made that statement just after I finished anointing our home. My Chrisitan friends tell me it's incredibly peaceful to visit my home.

I have hope for my wiccan friend yet.... One truly given over to the dark wouldn't even be able to enter. She just perceives it as heat.

Clio