This is from John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible: “Oil used to be poured on the heads of persons at entertainments and festivals, and at times of rejoicing; and so is opposed to the state of mourners, who might not be anointed, as the Jewish commentators observe; the grace of the Spirit without measure, with which Christ was anointed, is called “the oil of gladness”, and of the same nature, though not of the same measure, is the grace which saints have from Christ; the effect of which is joy and gladness, even joy unspeakable, and full of glory; which is had in believing in Christ, and through a hope of eternal life by him; hence we read of the joy of faith, and of the rejoicing of hope: this oil is Christ’s gift, and not to be bought with money; this holy unction comes from him; this golden oil is conveyed from him, through the golden pipes of the word and ordinances; is very valuable, of great price, and to be desired; and, being had, cannot be lost; it is the anointing that abides.” — John Gill (1697-1771)
I struggle against depression, anxiety, and general melancholy. As far as I know, it has always been so in my life. But, there have been times, since becoming a Christian in 1986, where I have rejoiced in the oil of joy. I will put this picture up, with the first in this series, Beauty from Ashes, and the next one that I will do, Garment of Praise, on my wall and remind myself that there is every reason to rejoice in the beauty of the Lord, to be joyful, and to praise the Lord at all times and in all seasons.
and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the Lord
for the display of his splendor.
— Isaiah 61:3 (NIV)
Virginia C. McCoy Fine Art 