2006-12-30T20:19:00.000-08:00

What is A Messiah?

What is the definition of the word Messiah and from where does it originate? We get our English word Messiah from the Hebrew verb mashakh - a process of painting, besmearing, or anointing a person or an object with oil. The Hebrew anointing was in part a legal procedure implemented in conjunction with the ordination and consecration of a priest or king within Israel's tribal community. Ordination is represented by the Hebrew words [mileiat et yaddim] which means "to fill the hands". Academics define "fill the hand" within the context of the chosen receiving a staff, scepter, or some sort of hand held symbol in relation to their office. More than likely, the prophet was used a mediator to transmit G-d's spirit to the chosen one in preparation for his new role as king or priest. Keep in mind the Hebrew word "meleit" means "to fill". We often hear the expression "filled with anger" or "filled with joy," the body being analogous to a vessel that captures a spirit or emotion. In the anointing the "filling" is of G-d's spirit. The hands identified by the Hebrew "yaddim" expresses how man accomplishes any given work. The filling of G-d's spirit puts the anointed in a position to make the world a better place by directing his hands towards worldly endeavors blessed by devine association. Consecration [kidash] could be defined by the process of washing and clothing the priest" rendering him "holy" [Hebrew-kadosh] and "set apart" for sanctuary service.
In the book Path of the KABBALAH, the late Dr. David Sheinkin’s words of enlightenment continue to teach and resonate in the land of the living.

"First, the Hebrew term is Moshiach – literally, “anointed one", the one who is "anointed”. In biblical days, the prophets would anoint special individuals, such as one who was to be king. The Hebrew king was always anointed by a prophet. Therefore, Jewish tradition has it that the Moshiach [Messiah] is to be a king and is to be anointed by a prophet."
Path of the KABBALAH By Dr. David Sheinkin

The Torah A Modern Commentary W.G. Plaut , discusses the practicality of the anointing process.
"A common procedure in antiquity to induct priest or kings into office. Anointing oil was a symbol of well being, and for the well-to-do (especially in later Rome) its daily use was a part of the good life. Pouring oil on the head of the chosen in a special ceremony became the sign for his having been favored by or set apart for the deity.

THE TORAH A MODERN COMMENTARY W.G. PLAUT

Dr. Sheinkin writes that the Hebrew king was “always” anointed by a prophet of G-d. The Torah A Modern Commentary understands the anointing to be a “sign” that a priest or king had been installed into an official position within the community. One can appreciate by these two sources that the anointing process would “always” follow a consistent regiment. We will discover that in every instance the chief component in the Hebrew anointing was olive oil. Without the oil there could be no priest, no king, and most important, no Messiah. It is imperative that we keep in mind that it is the oil [Hebrew-shemen] that is applied or poured upon the head of one whom G-d designates by means of His prophet that entitles the chosen one as “Moshiach-Messiah” or anointed one.

The oil that was used in the anointing separated it from all other perfumes making it a unique formula prescribed for one very special purpose. The mixing of this special ointment began with carefully selected spices blended according to precise specifications that Moses received from G-d. In the book of Exodus we read:
22 The LORD said to Moses, 23 “Take the best spices: five hundred weight of free- flowing myrrh; half that amount, that is, two hundred and fifty of fragrant cinnamon; two hundred and fifty of fragrant cane; 24 five hundred of cassia-all according to the standard of the sanctuary weight; together with a hin of olive oil, perfumed ointment expertly prepared.
Exodus 30:22-25

Maimonides, the 12Th century Jewish scholar writes regarding this ancient recipe.

The anointing oil (Exodus XXX. 22-23) served a double purpose: to give the anointed object a good odor, and to produce the impression that it was something great, holy, and distinguished, and better than other objects of the same species; it made no difference whether that object was a human being, a garment, or a vessel. All this aimed at producing due respect towards the Sanctuary, and indirectly to G-d.

Moses Maimonides Guide for the PERPLEXED

We are able to determine that the anointing oil had a unique aroma that couldn't be mistaken from any other perfume. The aroma would always be associated with temple service or the induction of a king. Maimonides says, “all of this was aimed at producing due respect towards the Sanctuary, and indirectly to G-d.” The Torah is very careful to protect the integrity and holiness of this very special oil. The Israelites were warned that this unique perfume was only to be used under certain conditions and was not to be applied to any personal anointing of the body.

31 To the Israelites you shall say: As sacred anointing oil this shall belong to me throughout your generations. 32 it may not be used in any ordinary anointing of the body. 33 Whoever prepares a perfume like this, or whoever puts anything like this on a layman, shall be cut off from his kinsmen.
Exodus 30: 31,32

Obviously, special attention was given as to the ingredients as well as to whom or what the oil was applied. Any vulgar variations would result in one being “separated” [Hebrew-karet] from G-d’s chosen people. In the ancient world to be "cut off" [karet] could have more than one definition, none of which is very pleasing. It could mean to destroy, maim, sever, or at the very least, to be exiled from ones kinsmen and losing all inheritance with no hope of ever returning. The Torah A Modern Commentary makes reference to the Hebrew word (karet):
Cut off from his kin. This punishment (karet) is often mentioned in the Torah, but what it meant is nowhere specified, That it was the Hebrew parallel of the Greek ostracism or exile is possible; however, there is no single incident in the vast array of biblical stories and histories that specifically describe such forced exiled. Jewish tradition therefore concluded that karet was a punishment reserved to G-d who would apply it in His own way and time: by letting the offender die before his time, or die without offspring, or in some other fashion.

The Torah A Modern Commentary page 634
Why such strict laws surrounding oil? I am of the opinion that the combination of various scents produced an aroma that aided the attraction of G-d's spirit. It is only recently that science recognised a connection between scent and behavior. The wisdom of the ancient Hebrew captures this ideology by the usage of the Hebrew word for spirit [ruach] and scent[reiach]. The similarity of the Hebrew words hint to a divine connection. I am convinced this unique heavenly recipe aided in the reception of G-d's spirit. We know shortly after the prophet Shemu'el anointed Shaul the spirit of G-d came upon him as he "prophesied". And how could anyone forget the anointing of David?

"Then Shemu'el took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of this brothers; and the spirit of the L-rd came upon David from that day forward." 1 Samuel16:13

It is understandable why the Torah goes to great lengths to protect this heavenly scent. This should instill in us the importance of the “anointing” and to whom the title of Messiah [anointed one] is applied. Maimonides recognizes the practical importance of the Law concerning the anointing and guarding it from any abuse inside or outside the community.

“The reason why we are not allowed to prepare [for common use] the anointing oil and the incense is obvious; for when the odour [of the oil and incense] is perceived only in the sanctuary, the desired effect is great; besides [if it were allowed for everyone to prepare the anointing oil], people might anoint themselves therewith and imagine themselves distinguished; much disorder and dissension would then follow.

MOSE MAIMONIDES THE GUIDE FOR THE PERPLEXED

Maimonides acknowledges the establishment and enforcement of G-d’s law regarding the sacredness of the anointing. Without this important Torah legislation some might anoint themselves and mislead others into thinking they were a legitimate ruler [Messiah] and in turn cause great confusion and disorder in the community. All principalities or kingdoms have laws regarding the appointment of public servants into various positions within their government. These laws are a part of a written constitution that protect the appointed official and the people from any outside claim of authority by any illegitimate dictatorship. By examining the Holy Torah one can see that the law regarding the anointing process had more than a few internal safe guards to protect it from being misused or abused by any person inside or outside the country.

By reading these holy text one is able to confirm that the law established a perfect pattern for the Hebrew anointing.

The first recorded person to having this special oil poured over his head was a man by the name of Aaron.

The person who anointed Aaron was the prophet Moses. We can say that Aaron was the first Messiah [mashee’akh-anointed one] anointed by the prophet Moses. It is important to recognize that the anointing was an external process carefully administered by the hand of G-d’s prophet to install a priest or king into his official position within the tribal community. This first anointing in the Sacred Scriptures established a perfect precedent for the anointing process and how it is to be administered in the future.

10 Taking the anointing oil, Moses anointed and concentrated the Dwelling, [Hebrew- v’ymshach et ha’mishchan v’et-kal asher bo v’ykadash otam. with all that was in it. 11 Then he sprinkled some of this oil seven times on the alter, with all its appurtenances, and the laver, with its base, thus consecrating them. 12 He also poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron’s head, thus consecrating him.
Leviticus 8: 10-12

The Torah teaches us that Aaron, the Tent of Meeting, the ark, the table and all it’s utensils were anointed, setting it apart as a “holy” [l’kadosham] in preparation to be used in G-d’s sacred service. Other persons in the Torah were anointed in like manner. Saul, Israel’s first king was anointed by the prophet Samuel. David, Israel’s second king was also anointed by the prophet Samuel. Solomon, David’s son and successor was anointed by the prophet Nathan. It must be reiterated that these four Messiahs [anointed ones] Aaron, Saul, David, and Solomon experienced the physical bodily pouring of a Torah or biblical prescribed oil over their head by means of G-d’s designated prophet. This ceremonial rite makes one a legitimate Messiah of his day, officially set apart for a specific task within G-d’s government or kingdom. Torah sets a legal precedent of the anointing that must be scripturaly maintained throughout all generations, no exceptions!

1 Then, from a flask he had with him, Samuel poured oil [shemen] on Saul’s head; he also kissed him, saying: Has not the L-RD anointed thee [mashacah] you commander over his heritage?
1 Samuel 10:1,

13 Then Samuel, with the horn of oil [shemen] in hand and anointed him [v’yeemashac ] the midst of his brothers; and from that day on, the spirit of the L-RD rushed upon David.
1 Samuel 16: 13

34 There Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet are to anoint him [oo’mashac] king of Israel, and you should blow the horn and cry,’ Long live King Solomon!’
1 Kings 1:34

2 When you have come in there, see Yehu the son of Yehoshaphat the son of Nimshi there; and you must come in and make him get up from the midst of his brothers and bring him into the innermost chamber. 3 And you must take the flask of oil [shemen] and pour it out upon his head and say, ‘This is what Y-HVH has said: “I do anoint [mashach] you as king over all of Yisrael.
2 Kings 9:2,3

The sacred anointing was faithfully, carefully, and consistently adhered to by the prophets, priest’s, and kings of Israel. It is so very important to understand when someone claims to be “anointed” they are establishing themselves as a priest and or ruler over the nation of Israel. When these claims are made outside the realm of "law [Torah]written as well as oral" it becomes a threat to G-d’s sovereignty over his people and His land. As one might imagine the whole issue of the anointing is of great importance. Any claim to its office puts one into a position as ruler and or judge not only over the nation of Israel, but potentially the whole world.

What is a Messiah? יהוה אורא

What is A Messiah?

The first recorded person to having this special oil poured over his head was a man by the name of Aaron.