Psalm 105:15 (NKJV)

Saying, “Do not touch My anointed ones, And do My prophets no harm.”

1 Chronicles 16:22 (NKJV)

Saying, “Do not touch My anointed ones, And do My prophets no harm.”

Eisegesis: 

You should be careful when criticizing “anointed” preachers as it can have serious consequences.

Exegesis:   

This verse does not imply that God’s “anointed ones” or “prophets” are beyond accountability or correction. This passage refers to the patriarchs (God’s prophets) who were chosen to accomplish a specific work of God in the world.

Often times, these verses are quoted in modern church settings to warn against challenging or criticizing religious leaders or pointing out any errors in their theology or lifestyle or even prevent a biblical evaluation of their teachings. It is common for pastors or leaders to refer to themselves as “anointed ones”, implying that any opposition or challenge to them is equivalent to opposing God Himself.

This protects them from scrutiny and allows them to spread falsehoods and bad theology without restraint.

While respect for church leaders is a biblical principle, this application takes the verse out of its historical context.

There is no implication that God’s “anointed ones” or “prophets” are above accountability or correction in this verse.

No matter how “anointed,” every leader must align with God’s word, believers are held responsible for distinguishing truth from error. There is no such thing as an untouchable preacher or leader.

Proper context

Chronicles 16:22 testifies to God’s protection of Israel during its formative stages and vulnerable times.

.Psalm 105 recounts the history of the Israelites, celebrating God’s providence and care for His chosen people. Beginning with a call to worship and thanksgiving (Psalm 105:1-5), it proceeds to recount the history of Abraham’s call (Psalm 105:6-11), the escape from Egypt (Psalm 105:23-38), and the wanderings in the wilderness (Psalm 105:39-45).

The psalm highlights God’s faithfulness and mighty acts on behalf of Israel, calling His people to remember His wondrous deeds and righteous judgments.

Background

During the Israelite ruling, it was forbidden to kill or commit violent acts against anointed kings or prophets.

This passage refers to the patriarchs (the line of men God used to establish Israel), Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. When “they” (the patriarchs) were few in number, they lived as wandering strangers in a strange land (Hebrews 11:9). Through all their travels and ordeals, God protected them, increased their number, and prevented the powerful rulers of the land where they stayed from harming them.

God’s protection over Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob demonstrates His sovereignty and faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises. On two occasions, God safeguarded Abraham while he was in hostile nations, where foreign kings desired his wife, Sarah. Despite the precarious circumstances, God intervened, and both kings spared Abraham and Sarah, sending them away unharmed and even enriching them (Genesis 12; Genesis 20). Similarly, Isaac faced a similar situation when God protected him during his sojourn in Gerar (Genesis 26).

Jacob’s story further illustrates God’s providence. When Jacob arrived in Paddan Aram, he had nothing, but God blessed him abundantly, and he left with vast riches (Genesis 31). Reflecting on his experiences, particularly his dealings with his deceitful uncle Laban, Jacob declared, “God has not allowed him to harm me” (Genesis 31:7).

These accounts reveal that no one can thwart God’s plans for His chosen people. As stated in 1 Chronicles 16:22 and echoed in Psalm 105:15, God’s protective hand ensured that no harm would come to His anointed ones. The stories of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob remind us that God’s purposes prevail, and His faithfulness remains steadfast regardless of opposition or adversity.

This context is clearly illustrated and confirmed in the previous verse (21);

1 Chronicles 16:21 (NKJV)

He permitted no man to do them wrong; Yes, He rebuked kings for their sakes,

David is a good example of a person who applied God’s command not to harm God’s anointed to their situation. In 1 Samuel, we learn that King Saul attempted to kill David, which led to him and his men being on the run. One night, David’s men attacked Saul’s army while they were sleeping. Seeing that they had the advantage over their enemies, Abishai suggested they kill Saul immediately. But David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can lift a hand against the LORD’s anointed and be guiltless? . . . As surely as the LORD lives, the LORD Himself will strike him down. . . . But the LORD forbid that I should stretch out my hand against the LORD’s anointed” (1 Samuel 26:9–11).

It is God who takes vengeance, not us (Deuteronomy 32:35; Romans 12:19).

David recognized Saul as the Lord’s anointed and refused to harm  / kill him.

So taking into consideration the background of the text, God’s command “Do not touch my anointed ones; do no harm to my prophets” was addressed to a specific group of people for a specific period of time: the patriarchs were preserved from physical harm by God.

Application for today.

Under the new covenant established by Christ all believers are anointed by God. God has set each of us apart for the work He is doing in this world.

1 John 2:20 (NKJV)

But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things.

2 Corinthians 1:21-22 (NKJV)

Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.

All believers are God’s anointed, so does this mean that His command “Do not touch my anointed ones” protects us from all harm? No, believers still suffer the effects of living in a fallen world.

Yet, believers are aware that God is in complete control, and He can easily protect them.

Anything that happens to them is allowed by Him. Without God’s explicit permission, Satan cannot touch God’s children (see Job 1:12; 2:6). Therefore, we put our trust in God at all times. Regardless of what happens in our lives, we trust in God to equip, empower, and protect until He fulfills His plan and purposes in our lives.