Psalms 105:15
saying, “Touch not my anointed ones, do my prophets no harm!”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Psalms 105:15
saying, “Touch not my anointed ones, do my prophets no harm!”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This verse reveals God's fierce protection of His chosen ones, not just because they were vulnerable, but because they were His, bearing His sacred consecration. Even though the patriarchs weren't technically anointed with oil, God called them "anointed ones" and "prophets" to show they were set apart and divinely commissioned, making harm against them a direct offense against Him.
This psalm is a sweeping recap of God's faithfulness to Israel, starting with Abraham. The verses immediately preceding this one describe how God protected the patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—when they were few in number and strangers in foreign lands, even rebuking kings for their sake. This passage uses poetic language to summarize God's fierce protection of them, highlighting their special status as chosen servants.
Why does God call Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob 'anointed ones' even before the ceremony of anointing existed?
The term 'anointed' wasn't just about a physical ceremony with oil; it signified a deep, divine consecration. God set the patriarchs apart for a special purpose, making them uniquely His own.
A Divine Imprint
This consecration meant they were set apart for God's service and belonged to Him in a profound way. They weren't just ordinary people; they held a sacred status.
Royal & Priestly Callings
Think of them as having a kingly and priestly role within their families and for God's unfolding plan. Their unique calling made them objects of special divine care and protection.
Beyond their calling, these patriarchs were also called 'prophets.' What does that reveal about their role and God's engagement with them?
Calling Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob 'prophets' highlights their function as conduits of God's message. They weren't just recipients of God's promises; they were also commissioned to communicate and live out His truth.
Intimate Divine Conversation
God spoke to them directly, revealing His will and plans. This intimate relationship meant they were uniquely positioned to understand and convey divine revelation.
Guardians of Faith
They were tasked with preserving and passing on the knowledge of God to their families and future generations. Their lives were a testament to God's covenant and His faithfulness, teaching others about Him.
When kings threatened God's chosen, God didn't just watch; He issued a stern warning. What does this decree reveal about His commitment?
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 verse draws on God's protective interventions during the lives of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, highlighting their status as chosen individuals set apart for God's purposes. It reminds us that God views His faithful followers, even when few and vulnerable, as uniquely precious and inviolable.
c. 2100 BC
God calls Abraham
God establishes a covenant with Abraham, promising to make him a great nation and bless the world through him. Abraham and his family are instructed to live as distinct people.
c. 2000 BC
Abraham in Gerar
Abraham encounters King Abimelech of Gerar. God warns Abimelech in a dream not to harm Sarah, Abraham's wife, because Abraham is God's prophet.
c. 1850 BC
Isaac in Gerar
Similar to his father, Isaac faces danger in Gerar. God reaffirms the covenant and warns King Abimelech not to harm Isaac or his wife Rebekah, recognizing their sacred status.
c. 1700 BC
Jacob's family moves to Egypt
Jacob and his entire family, numbering around 70 people, migrate to Egypt to escape a severe famine, settling in the land of Goshen.
This verse shows God directly intervening to protect Abraham, rebuking Abimelech and stating, 'I also withheld you from sinning against me.' It echoes the sentiment of Psalm 105:15 by demonstrating God's active defense of His chosen ones.
Exodus 12:46When the Passover lamb was eaten, instructions were given not to break any of its bones. This foreshadows the protective care over those set apart by God, much like the patriarchs in Psalm 105, showing a consistent divine principle of safeguarding His 'anointed'.
1 Samuel 24:10David, speaking to Saul, echoes the principle, 'I will not stretch out my hand against my lord, since he is the Lord's anointed.' This shows how the concept of 'anointed' carrying sacredness and protection extended beyond the patriarchs to other figures God had set apart.
Zechariah 2:8This prophet declares, 'For thus says the Lord of hosts, after his glory has sent me to the nations who plundered you, for he who touches you touches the apple of his eye.' This powerful imagery highlights God's fierce protection over His people, mirroring the protective command in Psalm 105.
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.
This verse reveals God's fierce protection of His chosen ones, not just because they were vulnerable, but because they were His, bearing His sacred consecration. Even though the patriarchs weren't technically anointed with oil, God called them "anointed ones" and "prophets" to show they were set apart and divinely commissioned, making harm against them a direct offense against Him.
This psalm is a sweeping recap of God's faithfulness to Israel, starting with Abraham. The verses immediately preceding this one describe how God protected the patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—when they were few in number and strangers in foreign lands, even rebuking kings for their sake. This passage uses poetic language to summarize God's fierce protection of them, highlighting their special status as chosen servants.
This psalm is a sweeping recap of God's faithfulness to Israel, starting with Abraham. The verses immediately preceding this one describe how God protected the patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—when they were few in number and strangers in foreign lands, even rebuking kings for their sake. This passage uses poetic language to summarize God's fierce protection of them, highlighting their special status as chosen servants.
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This verse isn't just a historical record; it's a divine declaration of protection. God actively intervenes to safeguard those He has set apart, even when they are few and vulnerable.
A Sovereign Warning
God's words, 'Touch not my anointed ones, do my prophets no harm,' are not a request but a powerful decree. He rebuked kings and rulers for threatening the patriarchs, showing His fierce commitment to their well-being.
Unwavering Covenant Love
This protection stems from God's covenant love. He chooses, consecrates, and then actively defends His people, demonstrating that their safety is His paramount concern.
c. 1446 BC
The Exodus from Egypt
God miraculously delivers the Israelites from over 400 years of slavery in Egypt, fulfilling His promises to Abraham and his descendants.
c. 1000 BC
Davidic Kingdom established
David, a descendant of Abraham and a king "anointed" by God, reigns in Israel, solidifying the nation. The concept of being "anointed" becomes more formalized with kings.
c. 700 BC— this verse
Psalms written and compiled
Psalm 105 is believed to have been written or compiled during or after the monarchy, reflecting on God's faithfulness to the patriarchs and the nation of Israel.
"saying, “Touch not my anointed ones, do my prophets no harm!”" — This verse reveals God's fierce protection of His chosen ones, not just because they were vulnerable, but because they were His, bearing His sacred consecration. Even though the patriarchs weren't te…