Psalm 105:13-15
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This verse highlights not just the patriarchs' physical wandering, but the constant vulnerability of their existence as they moved between different peoples and rulers. It emphasizes God's protective care wasn't in providing a stable home, but in actively shielding them as they were exposed to fresh dangers from one stranger-filled land to another.
wandering from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another people, he allowed no one to oppress them; he rebuked kings on their account, saying, “Touch not my anointed ones, do my prophets no harm!”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse continues the psalm's recounting of God's faithfulness to Abraham and his descendants. It highlights the patriarchs' vulnerability as they were few in number and constantly moving between different lands and peoples. This nomadic existence, from one foreign territory to another, sets the stage for God's direct protection, showing He watched over them even when they had no earthly security or status.
Imagine having no permanent home, constantly moving between unfamiliar territories. What does this say about your security and God's watchfulness?
A Life on the Move
This verse describes the patriarchs – Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob – as nomads. They weren't settled in one place but 'wandered from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another people.' This wasn't just a casual stroll; it meant constant instability, moving between different cultures and potential threats.
Think about it: they were few in number, strangers in lands where they had no inherent rights or protection. Their journeys took them through regions like Canaan, Egypt, and Philistia, encountering various kingdoms and peoples. This movement was often driven by necessity, like famine, as noted in Genesis.
When you're vulnerable and unprotected, how does it feel to know God is actively watching over you?
God's Unwavering Gaze
While the patriarchs were vulnerable wanderers, the psalm doesn't just highlight their precarious situation. It underscores God's active role in protecting them. Even as they moved from one place to another, God ensured they were not harmed.
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He 'suffered no man to hurt them' and even 'rebuked kings for their sake.' This demonstrates a profound divine intervention. God wasn't passively observing; He was actively safeguarding His chosen people. Their constant movement, which could have led to destruction, instead became a stage for God's powerful protection.
Why would God show such fierce protection to a small, insignificant group of wandering people?
Chosen by Love, Not Merit
God's commitment to the patriarchs wasn't based on their strength, status, or number. They were 'very few,' 'strangers,' and often in difficult circumstances. Yet, God declared, 'Touch not my anointed ones, and do my prophets no wrong.'
This protection stemmed from God's covenant love and His sovereign choice. He set them apart, designating them as 'anointed' and 'prophets,' not necessarily due to outward ceremony at that stage, but because of His internal calling and purpose. Their value in God's eyes was established by His unfailing promise and His desire to work through them for a greater plan.
Understand the original words
ashaq · Hebrew Verb
To treat cruelly, harshly, or unjustly, often involving the abuse of power or authority over the weak or vulnerable.
mashiyach · Hebrew Noun/Adjective
In a biblical context, one who is set apart, consecrated, or marked by God for a specific holy purpose or office, often through the act of anointing with oil to signify the presence of the Holy Spirit.
nabiy · Hebrew Noun
A spokesperson for God, chosen and empowered by Him to receive and declare His divine message to the people, acting as a mediator of God's will and truth.
This verse captures the essence of the patriarchs' lives – Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob – living as perpetual strangers, moving between different peoples and kingdoms, often out of necessity due to famine or conflict. Their protection throughout these journeys, from the smallest encampment to encounters with kings, underscores God's faithful covenant with them.
c. 2091 BC
Abraham called from Ur
God calls Abraham from his homeland in Ur of the Chaldeans to go to a land God will show him. This marks the beginning of Abraham's nomadic journey.
c. 2090 BC - c. 2066 BC
Abraham's travels in Canaan
Abraham sojourns in the land of Canaan, moving between different locations like Shechem and Hebron. He also travels to Egypt during a famine.
c. 2066 BC - c. 1805 BC
Isaac's nomadic life
Isaac, like his father, lives as a wanderer in the land of Canaan. He also encounters famine and resides in Gerar among the Philistines.
c. 1805 BC - c. 1706 BC
Jacob's migrations
Jacob flees Canaan to Haran to escape Esau, working for Laban. He later returns to Canaan, wrestling with God and reconciling with Esau.
c. 1729 BC - c. 1638 BC
Joseph and family in Egypt
Joseph is sold into slavery in Egypt and rises to power. His family later joins him in Egypt due to famine, settling in the land of Goshen.
c. 1446 BC - c. 1406 BC
Exodus from Egypt and Wilderness Wandering
The Israelites leave Egypt after 400 years of sojourn and slavery. They then wander in the wilderness for 40 years before entering the Promised Land.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
Conquest of Canaan
Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites conquer the land of Canaan, fulfilling God's promise to Abraham and his descendants. This marks the end of their nomadic journey.
This passage directly illustrates the verse, describing Abraham's sojourn in Egypt due to famine, marking a significant instance of wandering from one land to another.
Genesis 20:1This verse shows Isaac moving and residing in Gerar, a foreign kingdom, demonstrating the continued pattern of the patriarchs being 'strangers in the land' and moving between peoples.
Deuteronomy 7:7This verse provides the theological backdrop to the patriarchs' wandering, explaining that God chose them not because of their numbers or status, but out of His love, highlighting God's sovereignty even when His people were few and nomadic.
Hebrews 11:9This New Testament passage reflects on Abraham's life as a 'stranger' in the promised land, explicitly mentioning his dwelling in tents and his movement across different territories, echoing the verse's theme of nomadic existence.
Genesis 47:4This verse shows Jacob and his family being settled in Goshen, Egypt, highlighting a specific instance where they moved from one people and kingdom to another for sustenance, as God provided for them during their travels.
clarkePsalms 105:13: "When they went from one nation to another, from one kingdom to another people;"
When they went from one nation to another - From several circumstances in the history of the travels of the ancient Hebrews, we find that the wilderness through which they then passed was well peopled.
calvinPsalms 105:12-15: "When they were but a few men in number; yea, very few, and strangers in it."
When they were but very few in number; and strangers in it. 13. And walked about from nation to nation, and from one kingdom to another people. 14. He did not suffer men to hurt them; and rebuked kings for their sake; 15. Saying, Touch not my anointed ones, and do my prophets no wrong. [210]
When they were but very few in number The prophet here recounts the benefits which God had conferred…
This verse highlights not just the patriarchs' physical wandering, but the constant vulnerability of their existence as they moved between different peoples and rulers. It emphasizes God's protective care wasn't in providing a stable home, but in actively shielding them as they were exposed to fresh dangers from one stranger-filled land to another.
This verse continues the psalm's recounting of God's faithfulness to Abraham and his descendants. It highlights the patriarchs' vulnerability as they were few in number and constantly moving between different lands and peoples. This nomadic existence, from one foreign territory to another, sets the stage for God's direct protection, showing He watched over them even when they had no earthly security or status.
This verse continues the psalm's recounting of God's faithfulness to Abraham and his descendants. It highlights the patriarchs' vulnerability as they were few in number and constantly moving between different lands and peoples. This nomadic existence, from one foreign territory to another, sets the stage for God's direct protection, showing He watched over them even when they had no earthly security or status.
"wandering from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another people, he allowed no one to oppress them; he rebuked kings on their account, saying, “Touch not my anointed ones, do my prophets no harm!”" — This verse highlights not just the patriarchs' physical wandering, but the constant vulnerability of their existence as they moved between different peoples and rulers. It emphasizes God's protective…
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Last reviewed October 2026
