Psalm 105:14-15
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The verse emphasizes that God's protection wasn't just passive; He actively rebuked kings, showing how seriously He took the mistreatment of His chosen people, even when they were few and vulnerable. This reveals God's fierce personal investment in safeguarding those who belong to Him, demonstrating that their well-being is paramount to His divine justice.
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 passage is part of a larger psalm recounting God's faithfulness to Israel, tracing His protection from Abraham's early days. The psalmist emphasizes that even when the patriarchs were few in number and strangers in a foreign land, God actively shielded them. This verse specifically highlights God's direct intervention to prevent any ruler from harming Abraham, Isaac, or Jacob, even confronting kings on their behalf.
The patriarchs were few, strangers in a land, and vulnerable. Yet, Scripture highlights God's active protection, not as a passive bystander, but as a powerful guardian.
The text in Psalm 105:14 emphasizes that God allowed no one to oppress the patriarchs and rebuked kings on their behalf. This wasn't accidental; it was a deliberate act of divine sovereignty. Even when Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob were vastly outnumbered and dependent on the goodwill of others, God intervened directly. He didn't just hope for the best; He ensured their safety. This protection extended to kings who threatened them, showing that God's care for His chosen ones supersedes the authority of earthly rulers.
Imagine earthly rulers being publicly corrected by God Himself! This verse shows God prioritizing His servants' well-being above the power and pride of kings.
The phrase 'he rebuked kings on their account' is incredibly powerful. It signifies that God didn't just offer protection; He actively confronted and corrected those in authority who threatened His people. The commentaries point to specific instances with Pharaoh and Abimelech, where God's displeasure was made known to kings for their actions against Abraham and Isaac. This shows that God's concern for His chosen ones is so profound that He will intercede directly with the highest powers on earth, demonstrating His ultimate authority and fierce love for those He calls His own.
Understand the original words
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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 psalm celebrates God's protective faithfulness, even when His chosen ones, like Abraham and Isaac, were few and vulnerable strangers in foreign lands. Their interactions with powerful kings, far from being exploits of human prowess, highlight God's direct intervention and His fierce defense of those He calls His own.
c. 2091 BC
God's Covenant with Abraham
God establishes a covenant with Abraham, promising land and descendants, marking the beginning of a special relationship.
c. 2090 BC— this verse
Abraham's Sojourn in Egypt
During a famine, Abraham and his wife Sarah travel to Egypt. Pharaoh, the king, is struck with illness or misfortune after attempting to take Sarah, whom he believed to be Abraham's sister.
c. 2090 BC
Abraham's Sojourn in Gerar
Later, Abraham and Sarah sojourn in Gerar, where King Abimelech also attempts to take Sarah, unaware she is Abraham's wife. God warns Abimelech in a dream, preventing him from sinning against Abraham.
c. 1900 BC
Isaac's Sojourn in Gerar
Centuries later, Isaac faces a similar situation in Gerar with his wife Rebekah, where King Abimelech rebukes him for deceit and warns his people not to harm Isaac.
This passage directly describes God striking Pharaoh with severe plagues because of his actions against Abraham and Sarah, directly illustrating the verse's point about God rebuking kings for His people's sake.
Genesis 20:3-7Here, God rebukes Abimelech in a dream for taking Abraham's wife, Sarah, showing God's active intervention to protect His chosen ones, even from royalty.
Exodus 7:3-5This shows God hardening Pharaoh's heart and bringing plagues upon Egypt, demonstrating His sovereign power and His willingness to confront kings to bring about His purposes for His people.
Numbers 23:8-9Balaam, compelled by God, blesses Israel, acknowledging that they are a people set apart and that those who curse them will be cursed, echoing the sentiment of kings being rebuked for harming God's chosen.
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…
pulpitPsalms 105:14: "He suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings for their sakes;"
Verse 14. - He suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings for their sakes. The reference is to the punishment inflicted on the Pharaoh of Abraham's time (Genesis 12:17), and on Abimelech of Gerar (Genesis 20:3, 7, 18).
The verse emphasizes that God's protection wasn't just passive; He actively rebuked kings, showing how seriously He took the mistreatment of His chosen people, even when they were few and vulnerable. This reveals God's fierce personal investment in safeguarding those who belong to Him, demonstrating that their well-being is paramount to His divine justice.
This passage is part of a larger psalm recounting God's faithfulness to Israel, tracing His protection from Abraham's early days. The psalmist emphasizes that even when the patriarchs were few in number and strangers in a foreign land, God actively shielded them. This verse specifically highlights God's direct intervention to prevent any ruler from harming Abraham, Isaac, or Jacob, even confronting kings on their behalf.
This passage is part of a larger psalm recounting God's faithfulness to Israel, tracing His protection from Abraham's early days. The psalmist emphasizes that even when the patriarchs were few in number and strangers in a foreign land, God actively shielded them. This verse specifically highlights God's direct intervention to prevent any ruler from harming Abraham, Isaac, or Jacob, even confronting kings on their behalf.
"he allowed no one to oppress them; he rebuked kings on their account, saying, “Touch not my anointed ones, do my prophets no harm!”" — The verse emphasizes that God's protection wasn't just passive; He actively rebuked kings, showing how seriously He took the mistreatment of His chosen people, even when they were few and vulnerable.…
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Last reviewed October 2026
