The holy anointing oil was first commanded by God to Moses for the specific purpose of consecrating priests, the Tabernacle, and its furnishings. This signified that these people and items were sanctified and set apart for divine use. The anointing was understood to represent God's spirit being placed upon a person, granting them authority, wisdom, and empowerment for their God-given purpose. The practice continued in the New Testament, notably for healing the sick. The book of James instructs elders to anoint the sick with oil in the name of the Lord and to pray for them. The oil itself is not the source of power; rather, it is the prayer of faith offered in the name of the Lord that brings healing.