The anointing oil is much more than a physical blend of spices; it serves as a divine seal of holiness dedicated entirely to the honor of God [רש״ר הירש, קאסוטו]. Being anointed with it acts as a public declaration of divine selection, preparing the individual to receive a flow of heavenly abundance, special providence, and the holy spirit [אברבנאל].
Because the oil is dedicated directly to God rather than being restricted only to Aaron and his descendants, the circle of those who can be anointed is broadened. It includes the kings of Israel from the House of David, who are also chosen by God. If the oil had been exclusively assigned to Aaron's family, any king anointed with it would be considered an unauthorized outsider unlawfully handling a sacred object [רבנו בחיי, צאינה וראינה, אדרת אליהו]. Furthermore, this direct connection to God reflects a profound eternal nature. Anything entirely devoted to God remains permanently tied to Him, enduring in both this world and the next [תורה תמימה]. Alternatively, this divine dedication highlights the oil's active power to sanctify any person or object it comes into contact with [חזקוני].
The primary approach among commentators is that the specific batch of oil crafted by Moses in the wilderness is the only legitimate anointing oil. Throughout history, it remains strictly forbidden to recreate this exact formula [העמק דבר, רלב״ג, אברבנאל, ברטנורא]. However, a minority view suggests the opposite, arguing that future generations are required to continue reproducing the exact same mixture to sanctify serving priests [אבן עזרא הקצר].
The idea that a single, limited batch of oil could last for all generations naturally raises a question of how this is possible. Commentators agree that a massive, continuous miracle took place with the oil Moses prepared. It never spoiled, turned sour, or lost its quality [ספורנו, אברבנאל]. From that small initial quantity, the Tabernacle and all its vessels, Aaron and his sons, all the High Priests, and the kings of the Davidic dynasty were anointed over hundreds of years. Despite this extensive use, the volume of the oil was never reduced by even a single drop; it remained completely whole [רבנו בחיי, תורה תמימה]. The philosophical reason for this wondrous endurance is that the oil is not merely physical matter. It represents a divine order and design, placing its true essence above the physical laws of decay and time [גור אריה].
Historically, as the destruction of the First Temple approached, the original anointing oil was hidden away alongside the Ark of the Covenant and the jar of manna [תורה תמימה, אברבנאל]. The promise that the oil will last for all generations means that this original mixture still exists in perfect condition in its hidden location. It is destined to be revealed once more in the days of the Messiah, when it will be used again to anoint priests and kings [רש״י, מזרחי, מלבי״ם, ברטנורא, אברבנאל].