Anointing with oil was a custom among the Hebrews and other oriental nations. 
<p>Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious oil upon the head, That ran down upon the beard, Even Aaron's beard; That came down upon the skirt of his garments. Psalm 133:1-2 ASV

Anointing

Anointing with oil was a custom among the Hebrews and other oriental nations. Behold, how good and how…

"And while he was in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster cruse of ointment of pure nard very costly; and she brake the cruse, and poured it over his head." Mark 14:3 ASV
<p>A woman pours a bottle of expensive ointment over Jesus' head as he sits at a table. A man (perhaps Simon the leper) stands in the background.

Anointing of Jesus by a Woman at Bethany

"And while he was in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at meat, there came a woman…

"So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David. Samuel then went to Ramah." I Samuel 16:13 ASV
<p>lllustration of Samuel pouring oil on David's head, anointing him king instead of Saul. David's head is bowed and he holds a small staff. His mother and his father, Jesse, kneel behind Samuel. David's brothers and other townspeople stand around. A goat is pictured roasting just outside the door.

David is Anointed King by Samuel

"So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day…

"Mary therefore took a pound of ointment of pure nard, very precious, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odor of the ointment." John 12:3 ASV
<p>Illustration of Mary anointing Jesus' feet with perfume. The disciples stand in the background, some looking irritated.

Mary Anoints Jesus at Bethany

"Mary therefore took a pound of ointment of pure nard, very precious, and anointed the feet of Jesus,…

"And behold, a woman who was in the city, a sinner; and when she knew that he was sitting at meat in the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster cruse of ointment, and standing behind at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment." Luke 7:37-38 ASV
<p>Illustration of Jesus sitting at a table, eating with the Pharisees. A woman is kneeling at his feet, pouring out a container of ointment on his feet and clutching the hem of his robe.

A Woman Washes and Anoints Jesus' Feet

"And behold, a woman who was in the city, a sinner; and when she knew that he was sitting at meat in…