Anointing

Anointing involves pouring oil over someone’s head or feet, or rubbing parts of the body with oil.
Oil is used in the Bible for washing the body, as perfume for men and women, but also with a religious or liturgical significance.

In ancient times, rubbing oneself with oil was part of everyday care of the body. This is how it happens in 2 Samuel 12:20 (ESV), for instance. When David picks himself up again after the death of his child, he rubs himself with oil.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus tells his disciples that they must wash their face and anoint their heads with oil when they fast (Matthew 6:17, ESV).

Anointing can be a sign of hospitality. It was probably a Jewish custom to rub guests’ head and feet with oil.

Anointing in the Old Testament is also a way to consecrate someone or something. People or things that have been anointed are set aside for service to God or are reminders of his presence. Jacob pours oil over a stone in Bethel when he has had a dream there about a ladder along which angels ascend and descend (Genesis 28:18).