“… You anoint my head with oil, my cup runs over.” –  Psalm 23:5

We’re all familiar with oil in its various forms – cooking oil, cosmetic oil, medicinal oil, lubricating oil, etc.

Today, oil is such a massive industry that one could wonder what our world would be like without it. 

Since ancient times, oil was used for many purposes. For example, herbal oils infused with various plants and herbs would be applied topically or ingested to treat ailments such as wounds, skin conditions, digestive issues, and respiratory problems.

In some societies, oils served in religious ceremonies to symbolize purification, consecration, or healing.

Anointing individuals with oil was a common practice with deep cultural and religious significance.

It was often used to signify special favor, divine blessing, or setting apart for a sacred purpose.

So prophets, kings and even sacred vessels would be ‘anointed’ – basically set apart for a divine office or purpose.

David, the author of the poem from which our meditation verse is taken, was familiar with oil both as a king and as a shepherd.

His first personal interaction with anointing oil in a spiritual context was when Prophet Samuel came to his father’s house and poured a hornful of oil on his head, in effect setting the young boy apart as the next king of Israel.

“Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward” (1 Sam. 16:13).

However, as the verb tense in our verse shows, it was not merely a historical event that had happened decades ago; rather, he says; ‘He anoints my head with oil,’ which implies that it was still happening.

Secondly, David was a shepherd who knew the importance of oil in the life of a sheep. For that reason, the notion of being anointed with oil could not miss in a poem describing his relationship with the ‘Good Shepherd.’

“Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward.” .

1 SAMUEL 16:13

Ancient sheep keepers kept olive oil handy and would smear it on the sheep’s skin individually in the evening to make a sheep’s coat and skin shine and heal. 

This is because olive oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe irritated or inflamed skin due to various factors such as parasites, allergies, or environmental conditions.

Applying olive oil to affected areas especially on the head can help reduce inflammation and discomfort in the ears, nose and eyes.

Furthermore, olive oil has been traditionally used for healing due to its antimicrobial properties and ability to promote tissue regeneration.

Applying olive oil to minor cuts, scrapes, or abrasions on a sheep’s skin can help facilitate the healing process and prevent infection.

But because oil was in scarce supply and therefore quite expensive, it would be applied sparingly.

However, David metaphorically says “my cup runs over” – pointing to God’s extravagant providence for him, to the point of overflowing!

In general terms, Psalm 23 is basically a metaphorical representation of God’s care and guidance for his people, using the imagery of a shepherd caring for his flock.

By saying that “He anoints my head with oil,” David implies that the act of anointing symbolizes blessing, presence of the Holy Spirit upon his life, and consecration to reign and rule.

It signifies God’s favor, care, and provision, ensuring that David lacks nothing and is under divine protection and guidance, and is a declaration of God’s blessings and Providence that are abundant and overflowing – exceeding all expectations.

In conclusion, let me also say that both the Hebrew word for ‘Messiah’ and the Greek word for ‘Christ’ mean the ‘Anointed One.’ Given that the name ‘Christians’ comes from ‘Christ,’ every Christian is an ‘anointed one’ – set apart for a divine purpose in the world.

If you’re a Christian, then you’re an anointed one – you’re a carrier of the abundance of blessings, as well as divine presence and protection, and consecration to serve the purposes of God in this world. Hallelujah!