saying, “Touch not my anointed ones, do my prophets no harm!”
English Standard Version (ESV)
God’s declaration, "Touch not my anointed ones, do my prophets no harm," highlights that He views His chosen people, even when few and vulnerable like the patriarchs, as intrinsically sacred. This isn't just about protecting them from physical harm, but about safeguarding those set apart for His special purpose, recognizing their divine consecration and role as bearers of His truth.
saying, “Touch not my anointed ones, do my prophets no harm!”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This Psalm recounts God's faithfulness to Israel, tracing their journey from Abraham's humble beginnings as a stranger in a foreign land to their eventual settlement in Egypt. The text highlights how God protected these few patriarchs, rebuking kings and rulers who tried to harm them. This protective stance culminates in God declaring them His "anointed ones" and "prophets," emphasizing their sacred status and inviolability.
The verse calls Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob God's 'anointed ones.' But wait, weren't anointings with oil a later thing in the Old Testament?
It's fascinating how the Bible uses language! While literal anointing with oil for priests, prophets, and kings came later, the idea of anointing – being set apart, consecrated, and divinely chosen for a special purpose – was very much present with the patriarchs.
Sacred Set Apart
God didn't need a physical ceremony to declare Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob special. He chose them. He consecrated them. Their very lives were dedicated to His service and His covenant promises. This dedication made them sacred in God's eyes, just as if they had been physically anointed.
A Divine Seal
Think of it like an invisible seal of ownership and purpose. God's sovereign choice and His intimate relationship with them served as the ultimate mark. They belonged to Him in a unique way, making any harm against them an affront to God Himself.
We often think of prophets only predicting the future. But what does it mean for Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to be called God's 'prophets' in this context?
When Psalm 105 calls the patriarchs God's 'prophets,' it’s a rich title that goes beyond just future-telling.
Intimate Communication
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First and foremost, it signifies an incredibly close relationship. God spoke to these men directly, revealing His will and His plans to them. They weren't just receivers of messages; they were God's confidants.
Faithful Messengers
Secondly, being a prophet meant they were tasked with faithfully passing on God's truth. They lived out God's ways and, in doing so, taught others – their families and surrounding peoples – about the one true God. This role preserved God's truth for future generations.
God's Own Representatives
Because God communicated with them and empowered them to share His truth, they acted as His representatives. Harming them wasn't just hurting individuals; it was disrespecting God Himself and His divine message.
This verse isn't just a gentle request; it's a divine declaration of protection. What does it reveal about God's heart for those He has set apart?
Psalm 105:15 is a powerful reminder that God is fiercely protective of those He calls His own, especially when they are vulnerable.
Mighty Rebuke
God didn't just whisper a suggestion; He 'rebuked kings' (verse 14). He actively intervened. When the patriarchs were few in number and strangers in lands, often lacking human protection, God stepped in with divine authority. He didn't tolerate anyone hurting them.
Sacredness of His People
The command, 'Touch not my anointed ones, do my prophets no harm!' isn't about personal preference. It's about the inherent sacredness God bestows upon His chosen. Harming them is like reaching out and touching something God has declared holy and precious.
A Pattern of Protection
This divine protection wasn't a one-off event for Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It sets a pattern for how God defends His people throughout Scripture. When we belong to Him, He regards any attack on us as an attack on His own name and honor. He is our ultimate defender.
Understand the original words
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 recalls God's fierce protection over Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Even though they were few and vulnerable, God intervened directly, rebuking kings to safeguard them, demonstrating His deep commitment to His chosen people, His 'anointed' ones and 'prophets'.
c. 2000 BC
God calls Abraham
God calls Abraham from Ur, initiating a covenant relationship and promising to make him a great nation. Abraham and his descendants begin their journey as strangers in the land of Canaan.
c. 1900 BC
Abraham in Gerar
Abraham, while sojourning in Gerar, pretends his wife Sarah is his sister. King Abimelech takes her, but God warns him in a dream to return Sarah or face death, showing divine protection over Abraham.
c. 1800 BC
Isaac in Gerar
Centuries later, Isaac faces a similar situation in Gerar, also claiming his wife Rebekah is his sister. King Abimelech witnesses Isaac prospering greatly, which prompts him to discover Isaac's true relationship to Rebekah and issue a decree protecting Isaac.
c. 1700 BC
Jacob flees to Egypt
Jacob and his family migrate to Egypt during a famine, seeking refuge. Although initially welcomed, their presence eventually leads to their enslavement by a new dynasty.
c. 1440 BC
Exodus from Egypt
God delivers the Israelites from over 400 years of slavery in Egypt through Moses, fulfilling His promises to Abraham. This event underscores God's faithfulness to His chosen people.
c. 1000 BC
Davidic Kingdom Established
The consolidation of the Israelite monarchy under King David, a key figure in the lineage of the 'anointed ones'. This period represents a high point of Israel's national identity and divine favor.
c. 1000 BC— this verse
God's decree to protect patriarchs
The Psalm recounts God's protective intervention for Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, rebuking kings like Pharaoh and Abimelech who threatened them. The verse encapsulates this divine safeguarding, calling the patriarchs God's 'anointed ones' and 'prophets.'
This verse directly echoes the sentiment, with God telling Abimelech concerning Abraham, 'I also withheld you from sinning against me; therefore I did not let you touch her.'
Genesis 26:11Similar to the previous reference, God warns Abimelech again about touching Isaac and Rebekah, stating, 'Whoever touches this man or his wife will surely be put to death.'
Exodus 12:48This passage speaks to the sacredness of the entire Israelite community, a 'kingdom of priests,' emphasizing that any foreigner who wished to partake in Passover had to become circumcised, showing a similar principle of those set apart for God being protected.
1 Samuel 24:10David, in his mercy toward Saul, reminds him, 'I will not stretch out my hand against my lord, for he is the Lord's anointed,' highlighting the reverence due to those appointed by God, even an enemy.
1 Chronicles 16:22This verse is almost identical to Psalm 105:15, underscoring the enduring importance of protecting God's chosen people and messengers throughout Israel's history.
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…
clarkePsalms 105:15: "Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm."
Touch not mine anointed - It is supposed that the patriarchs are here intended; but the whole people of Israel may be meant. They were a kingdom of priests and kings unto God; and prophets, priests, and kings were always anointed.
God’s declaration, "Touch not my anointed ones, do my prophets no harm," highlights that He views His chosen people, even when few and vulnerable like the patriarchs, as intrinsically sacred. This isn't just about protecting them from physical harm, but about safeguarding those set apart for His special purpose, recognizing their divine consecration and role as bearers of His truth.
This Psalm recounts God's faithfulness to Israel, tracing their journey from Abraham's humble beginnings as a stranger in a foreign land to their eventual settlement in Egypt. The text highlights how God protected these few patriarchs, rebuking kings and rulers who tried to harm them. This protective stance culminates in God declaring them His "anointed ones" and "prophets," emphasizing their sacred status and inviolability.
This Psalm recounts God's faithfulness to Israel, tracing their journey from Abraham's humble beginnings as a stranger in a foreign land to their eventual settlement in Egypt. The text highlights how God protected these few patriarchs, rebuking kings and rulers who tried to harm them. This protective stance culminates in God declaring them His "anointed ones" and "prophets," emphasizing their sacred status and inviolability.
"saying, “Touch not my anointed ones, do my prophets no harm!”" — God’s declaration, "Touch not my anointed ones, do my prophets no harm," highlights that He views His chosen people, even when few and vulnerable like the patriarchs, as intrinsically sacred. This is…
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Last reviewed October 2026