“You anoint my head with oil” (Psalm 23:5)

Before our Sabbath we looked at the practical use of the anointing oil for the shepherd.  He uses it to treat any injuries that the sheep might get while they are grazing in the field or in fights with other sheep.  It had a comforting effect as well as healing qualities. However, there is another use for the anointing oil in Scripture that is mentioned quite often. It is one that David was very familiar with also. It was used to anoint Kings and priests to their position.  It was a blessing that recognized an individual as chosen for a specific purpose. To understand it better we will look into the life of the author of our Psalm…David.

David was just a young shepherd boy when an old prophet named Samuel visited his family’s home to “anoint” the new King of Israel (1 Samuel 16:1-13).  The timing was odd and awkward. There was already a King on the throne, but King Saul had fallen out of favor with God. Samuel was instructed to find and anoint the one that God had chosen. The search took him to the small town of Bethlehem, to the house of Jesse.

David was the youngest of 8 sons. His job was to keep the flock. He was a shepherd.   In fact, he was out in the field when Samuel showed up that day. The prophet interviewed all seven older brothers and God revealed that not one of them was the one God was looking for. “Were there other sons?” David was called in from the field and the rest is history. Samuel anointed him the new “King in Waiting”. The anointing was the recognition of what God intended for the nation of Israel and what He intended for David.  It was a message to this shepherd boy that God had chosen him and that God had a specific plan for him. 

The Scriptures tell us that God searches for each of us and calls us into His flock.  He has chosen you. Jesus said,

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed (anointed) you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide…” (John 15:16).

Therefore, when you respond to His call and bow before the Good Shepherd…He anoints you.   God says, “You are now my sheep!  No one can take you away from Me.  I will take care of you.  I will lead you.  I will always be with you.  You are mine.”

“You anoint my head with oil”

You have been chosen.  God came looking for you and wanted you to be in His flock.  He has anointed you with oil. You are blessed. You are His and He has a place for you. You have a purpose to fulfill. Take time to sit in His presence today, bow your head and let Him anoint you afresh. As you read the Psalm again, know that you are loved.