As I explored the profound truths of anointing in my book, The Anointed Bride (published in 2016), I was struck by the divine thread that weaves this sacred practice from the heavenly realms to the earthly plane. The concept of anointing, often associated with oil in Scripture, is not merely a human tradition but a divine institution, originating in the heart of God before time itself began. By tracing the biblical timeline of anointing, we uncover a story that begins with the anointed cherub in heaven and flows through key moments in Scripture, revealing God’s unchanging purpose for His people.

The First Anointing: Lucifer, the Anointed Cherub

Before the earth was formed, before time existed, the Kingdom of Heaven operated in perfect harmony under God’s authority. In this divine structure, one creature stood out: Lucifer, the “Light Bearer” or “Morning Star,” as described in Ezekiel 28:13-15. He was the anointed cherub, a title that carried immense authority, second only to God Himself. His heavenly body, adorned with precious stones and crafted as a musical instrument for worship, radiated God’s glory. The term “anointed” in his identity signified “shining,” “richness,” and “being set apart” for God’s purpose—a divine appointment that could only come from God.

As Ezekiel reveals, Lucifer was the “seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty,” until pride led to his catastrophic fall. His desire to exalt himself above God, as recorded in Isaiah 14:13-14, resulted in his expulsion from heaven, stripped of his name, identity, and anointing. God’s judgment—“There is no you until eon” (Ezekiel 28:19, literal translation)—marked the ultimate humiliation, reducing the anointed cherub to a “nobody” known as Satan. Yet, this moment establishes a critical truth: anointing originates with God. It is His initiative, rooted in His authority, designed to set apart and empower for His glory.

Anointing on Earth: From Eden to Bethel

While the Bible does not explicitly state when anointing transitioned to earth, its heavenly precedent suggests a profound connection. The Garden of Eden, described as a reflection of heaven’s own garden, may have been the first earthly setting for anointing. Zechariah 4 and Revelation 11 mention olive trees in heaven’s garden, symbolizing anointing and light. Olive oil, the cornerstone of biblical anointing oil, carries deep spiritual significance, representing the crushing process of surrender and the Holy Spirit’s work.

A fascinating clue appears after the Flood, when the dove returns to Noah with an olive leaf (Genesis 8:11), a symbol of peace and prosperity. God’s command to Noah to “be fruitful and multiply” echoes His words to Adam in Eden, hinting at a continuity of divine purpose. While some speculate the olive leaf came from the Tree of Life, the Bible remains silent on this, and we must approach such ideas cautiously. What is clear is that olive oil, central to anointing, emerges as a recurring symbol of God’s presence and blessing.

The first explicit use of anointing oil in Scripture occurs with Jacob at Bethel (Genesis 28:18; 35:9-15). After God renames him Israel and renews the promise of fruitfulness, Jacob anoints a stone pillar with oil, marking the place where God spoke to him. This act, seemingly instinctive, suggests anointing was already a recognized practice, likely rooted in divine revelation. The Jewish Encyclopedia notes evidence from Egyptian hieroglyphs that anointing oil was used during Joseph’s time in Egypt, further supporting its early presence in human history.

The Divine Continuity of Anointing

The anointing that began with Lucifer in heaven finds its earthly expression through God’s people, culminating in the detailed recipe for holy anointing oil in Exodus 30:22-25. This sacred blend, centered on olive oil, reflects the same divine authority that appointed the anointed cherub. Unlike Lucifer, who sought to exalt himself, God’s earthly anointed—priests, kings, and prophets—were called to humility, their anointing activated by faith and obedience.

In The Anointed Bride, I emphasize that anointing is not about the oil itself but about God’s power working through faith. The fall of Lucifer serves as a sobering reminder: anointing is a privilege, not a right, and pride can strip it away. Yet, God’s design for anointing endures, now entrusted to His people. The two cherubim on the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 25:18-20), equal in authority and beauty, symbolize a new order—no single creature can claim supremacy, and all anointing points back to God’s glory.

A Call to Embrace God’s Anointing

As believers, we are invited to walk in the anointing God has ordained, using olive oil-based anointing oil as a point of contact for faith. Whether in prayer for healing (James 5:15) or consecration, this practice connects us to a divine legacy that began before time. Let us approach it with humility, giving God the glory, and remembering the warning of Lucifer’s fall: only those who humble themselves will be exalted (Matthew 23:12).

I invite you to explore this sacred practice further in The Anointed Bride, where I unpack the biblical truths of anointing and its relevance today. May we, as God’s anointed, shine His light and carry His presence with reverence and faith.

In faith,
Robin Prijs
Founder, LoveUnlimited Ministries