the shield” (Isaiah 21:5), refers to the custom of rubbing oil on the leather
of the shield so as to make it supple and fit for use in war.
(2.) Anointing was also an act of hospitality (Luke 7:38, 46). It was the
custom of the Jews in like manner to anoint themselves with oil, as a
means of refreshing or invigorating their bodies (Deuteronomy 28:40; Ruth
3:3; 2 Samuel 14:2; Psalm 104:15, etc.). This custom is continued among
the Arabians to the present day.
(3.) Oil was used also for medicinal purposes. It was applied to the sick,
and also to wounds (Psalm 109:18; Isaiah 1:6; Mark 6:13; James 5:14).
(4.) The bodies of the dead were sometimes anointed (Mark 14:8; Luke
23:56).
(5.) The promised Deliverer is twice called the “Anointed” or Messiah
(Psalm 2:2; Daniel 9:25, 26), because he was anointed with the Holy
Ghost (Isaiah 61:1), figuratively styled the “oil of gladness” (Psalm 45:7;
Hebrews 1:9). Jesus of Nazareth is this anointed One (John 1:41; Acts
9:22; 17:2, 3; 18:5, 28), the Messiah of the Old Testament.
- ANT (Hebrews nemalah, from a word meaning to creep, cut off, destroy),
referred to in Proverbs 6:6; 30:25, as distinguished for its prudent habits.
Many ants in Palestine feed on animal substances, but others draw their
nourishment partly or exclusively from vegetables. To the latter class
belongs the ant to which Solomon refers. This ant gathers the seeds in the
season of ripening, and stores them for future use; a habit that has been
observed in ants in Texas, India, and Italy. - ANTICHRIST against Christ, or an opposition Christ, a rival Christ. The
word is used only by the apostle John. Referring to false teachers, he says
(1 John 2:18, 22; 4:3; 2 John 1:7), “Even now are there many antichrists.”
(1.) This name has been applied to the “little horn” of the “king of fierce
countenance” (Daniel 7:24, 25; 8:23-25).
(2.) It has been applied also to the “false Christs” spoken of by our Lord
(Matthew 24:5, 23, 24).
(3.) To the “man of sin” described by Paul (2 Thessalonians 2:3, 4, 8-10).
(4.) And to the “beast from the sea” (Revelation 13:1; 17:1-18).