July 30, 2023
“Do not touch my anointed ones and do my prophets no harm.” 1 Chronicles 16:22b (NASB)
“Do not touch my anointed ones And do my prophets no harm.” Psalms 105:15b (NASB)
I am sure you have heard the above Scriptures quoted in this manner, “Touch not my anointed and do my prophets no harm,” The command “Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm” appears in both 1 Chronicles 16:22 and Psalm 105:15. These passages of Scripture have been reported to have been used in Pentecostal and Charismatic circles; however, it is also used throughout the Christian community. Unfortunately, “Do not touch God’s anointed!” is often used out of context to defend or shield “the man/woman of God” from criticism or being judged. Sadly, there are those in the preaching and teaching ministry who promote themselves or their ministries as “anointed” often in an attempt to warn their would-be critics or attempting to help insulate themselves from scrutiny and many times allowing them to spread falsehood and bad theology unrestrained.
But what do these Scriptures mean to those who perceive it to mean something else? Remember when interpreting Scripture Context is KING or Context is Key! 
Dr. Mayhew would always say in class “Scripture always means what it is meant to mean in its context”. To understand the Scripture, we need to consider the context and the broader biblical principles. To properly understand and interpret any passage or verse from the Bible, one must consider the surrounding verses, the historical and cultural context, the original language, and the overall message of the entire book or section in which it is found. Ignoring the context can lead to misunderstandings, misinterpretations, or even twisting the meaning of a passage to fit a particular agenda or belief.
The truth is that every Born-Again Believer is God’s anointed. All who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior are anointed. We are all set apart for the work God is accomplishing in this world. 1 John 2:20 reminds us that as Believers in Christ “But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and all of you have knowledge.” (NRSV) Also, in 2 Corinthians 1:21-22, “But it is God who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us, by putting his seal on us and giving us His Spirit in our hearts as a first installment.” (NRSV)
In the Word of God, the term “anointed ones“ refers to those chosen and set apart by God for specific roles, often involving leadership or serving His purposes. In the Old Testament, we see various individuals anointed by God for positions like kingship – for example David, Saul, and priesthood Aaron, the high priest. Prophets, on the other hand, were messengers of God who were called to speak His words and deliver His divine messages to the people.
The command from God “Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm” was for a specific group of people for a specific time: God preserved the patriarchs from physical harm. No one today can properly quote 1 Chronicles 16:22 and of course, Psalm 105:15 to prevent criticism or silence those who may challenge them. The prophets of the Old Testament have given way to teachers in the New Testament – see 2 Peter 2:1. No apostle in the New Testament ever told anyone “Do not touch God’s anointed” as a means of insulating himself or herself from critique.
Looking at the historical context, the statement “Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm” was made during the time of King David, who is credited with composing Psalm 105. In 1 Chronicles 16, we find the context of the psalm, which is a song of thanksgiving after the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem. It was a time of great celebration and praise to God for His faithfulness to the people of Israel.
Since all Believers in Christ are God’s anointed, does this mean that His command “Do not touch my anointed ones” keeps us from all harm? No, Believers still suffer the effects of living in a fallen world. But, at the same time, Believers know that God is in total control, and He can easily protect His children. Whatever happens to them is allowed by Him. Satan himself can’t lay a finger on God’s children without God’s explicit permission, just ask Job in chapters 1 and 2. So, we trust God in everything. No matter what happens in our lives, we trust that God is in control and will equip, empower, and protect us to complete His plan for each of us. The Apostle Paul writes in Philippians 1:6 “I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
The phrase “Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm” conveys God’s protective nature over those He has chosen and called. It serves as a warning to anyone who would try to harm or mistreat His appointed servants. God takes special care of those who are dedicated to fulfilling His will and carrying out His work.
A PROTECTED
HEART: The Word of God provides us with examples of God’s intervention to protect His anointed ones and prophets. For example, in the case of David, when Saul sought to harm him out of jealousy, God preserved David’s life and ensured that he eventually became king referred to in 1 Samuel 24:6, and 1 Samuel 26:9-11. Also noted in 1 Kings 19:1-18, God protected the prophet Elijah, from the wrath of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel when he faithfully delivered God’s message.
God cares for those He has chosen and called for His purposes. He has promised to us as His children remind us of His protective nature and warn against any attempts to harm those who serve Him faithfully. As Believers, we can take comfort in knowing that God watches over us as we seek to fulfill His will in our lives. As God’s chosen people, we are encouraged to walk in righteousness and fulfill His purposes, and God will protect and defend us. 1 John 2:27, reminds us, “As for you, the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and so you do not need anyone to teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, abide in him.” (NRSV)
FATHER GOD: Thank You for Your Word that gives us clear instructions on how we are to interpret Your Word and what we are to believe. Help us to remember that we are Your “anointed ones” and as Believers in Christ, we are Your chosen people, Your ambassadors, and we are encouraged to walk in righteousness and fulfill Your purposes, (not ours) and You will protect and defend us. Thank You, Father, for being our divine Protector and we can trust You with our lives, in the Precious, Powerful, and Preeminent Name of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord, Amen!