1 Chronicles 16:22

KJV

[Saying], Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.

KJV (with Strong's)

Saying, Touch {H5060} not mine anointed {H4899}, and do my prophets {H5030} no harm {H7489}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Don't touch my anointed ones or do my prophets harm!"

Berean Standard Bible

‘Do not touch My anointed ones! Do no harm to My prophets!’

American Standard Version

Saying, Touch not mine anointed ones, And do my prophets no harm.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Chronicles 16:22, a direct quotation from a psalm of thanksgiving attributed to King David, serves as a powerful divine declaration of protection over God's chosen servants. This verse, embedded within David's song celebrating the Ark of the Covenant's arrival in Jerusalem, reminds Israel of God's unwavering commitment to safeguard His people, specifically the patriarchs and their descendants, during their vulnerable nomadic period. It functions as a solemn warning against any who would dare to harm those whom God has set apart for His purposes, emphasizing His absolute sovereignty and active involvement in their preservation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of a grand psalm of thanksgiving and praise delivered by King David when the [Ark of the Covenant was brought into Jerusalem](/1_chronicles/16-1 "1 Chronicles 16:1 - Ark of the Covenant Brought to Jerusalem"). The entire [chapter 16 of 1 Chronicles](/1_chronicles/16 "1 Chronicles 16 - David's Psalm of Thanksgiving") records David's song, which recounts God's faithfulness to Israel from the time of Abraham through their wilderness wanderings. The specific declaration in [1 Chronicles 16:22](/1_chronicles/16-22 "1 Chronicles 16:22 - God's Protection of His Anointed") is a direct quotation from an older divine declaration, also found verbatim in [Psalm 105:15](/psalm/105-15 "Psalm 105:15 - God's Warning to Kings"). Within the psalm, it follows a recounting of God's miraculous interventions on behalf of the patriarchs and early Israel, highlighting God's consistent and active protection against kings and nations who might have threatened them (as seen in [1 Chronicles 16:19-21](/1_chronicles/16-19 "1 Chronicles 16:19-21 - God's Protection of a Small Nation")). Thus, the verse is not an isolated command but a foundational principle rooted in God's historical dealings with His people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Historically, the immediate context of this divine command refers to God's covenant people during their nomadic phase—specifically the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and their immediate descendants. During this period, they were a small, vulnerable, and often transient group in a land populated by more powerful nations. God's declaration, "Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm," served as a divine protective decree, ensuring their safety and the fulfillment of His covenant promises to them. Culturally, the terms "anointed" (Hebrew: *mashiyach*) and "prophets" (Hebrew: *navi'*) carried significant weight. "Anointed" referred to individuals consecrated with oil, typically kings (like David himself, [1 Samuel 16:13](/1_samuel/16-13 "1 Samuel 16:13 - David's Anointing")) and priests, signifying divine appointment and empowerment. "Prophets" were those chosen by God to speak His direct word, acting as His messengers and spokespeople. The command underscored the sacredness of these divinely chosen instruments and the severe consequences of interfering with God's work through them.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Chronicles 16:22](/1_chronicles/16-22 "1 Chronicles 16:22 - God's Protective Decree") powerfully articulates several core theological and narrative themes present throughout [1 Chronicles](/1_chronicles "1 Chronicles - Focus on Davidic Line and Temple Worship") and the broader Old Testament. Firstly, **Divine Protection** is paramount, asserting God's unwavering commitment to guard and preserve those He has chosen and set apart for His purposes. It is a divine warning against any who would dare to harm His people, demonstrating His active involvement in their affairs. Secondly, the verse underscores the **Reverence for God's Servants**, highlighting the sacredness of God's chosen instruments—His 'anointed' and 'prophets'—and demanding respect and non-interference from others. This theme reinforces the idea that harming God's chosen ones is tantamount to harming God Himself. Lastly, it powerfully demonstrates **God's Sovereignty**, showcasing His absolute authority and active involvement in the affairs of humanity, proving His right and power to protect His own, even when they are seemingly weak or outnumbered, as seen in God's reproof of kings for the patriarchs' sakes ([1 Chronicles 16:21](/1_chronicles/16-21 "1 Chronicles 16:21 - God Reproves Kings for Israel's Sake")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Anointed (Hebrew, _mashiyach'_):** This term derives from the verb *mashach*, meaning "to smear" or "to anoint." In the Old Testament, it primarily referred to individuals consecrated for a special office through the pouring of oil, most notably kings (e.g., Saul, David), priests, and occasionally prophets. The anointing symbolized divine selection, empowerment, and the bestowal of God's Spirit for a specific task or role. In the context of [1 Chronicles 16:22](/1_chronicles/16-22 "1 Chronicles 16:22 - God's Protected Ones"), while it broadly refers to God's chosen people, it particularly emphasizes those among them who held positions of divine authority or special relationship with God, such as the patriarchs who were also considered prophets ([Psalm 105:15](/psalm/105-15 "Psalm 105:15 - Parallel to 1 Chronicles 16:22")). This same root word is the source of the Hebrew "Messiah" and the Greek "Christ," pointing to the ultimate Anointed One, Jesus.
* **Prophets (Hebrew, _navi'_):** This term refers to those who are called by God to speak His word, acting as His direct messengers and spokespeople. They often delivered divine messages, warnings, and promises, sometimes foretelling future events. In the context of the patriarchs, Abraham is explicitly called a "prophet" in [Genesis 20:7](/genesis/20-7 "Genesis 20:7 - Abraham Called a Prophet"), indicating that God communicated His will through them. The inclusion of "prophets" alongside "anointed" reinforces the idea that God's protection extends to all those through whom He reveals Himself and accomplishes His purposes.
* **Touch (Hebrew, _naga'_):** While seemingly simple, the verb *naga'* here carries the strong connotation of striking, harming, or interfering with malicious intent. It is not merely a physical touch but an act of aggression or violation. The divine command "Touch not" is therefore a powerful prohibition against any act that would injure, oppress, or undermine God's chosen ones, emphasizing the sacredness of their person and their divine appointment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[Saying], Touch not mine anointed":** This is a direct divine command, indicating a prohibition against harming or interfering with those whom God has chosen and set apart. In the immediate historical context of [1 Chronicles 16:22](/1_chronicles/16-22 "1 Chronicles 16:22 - God's Protective Decree"), "mine anointed" primarily refers to the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob) and their descendants, who were God's chosen covenant people. God had consecrated them through His covenant and designated them for His special purposes, making them untouchable by hostile forces. The command underscores God's personal ownership and deep commitment to their protection.
* **"and do my prophets no harm":** This phrase serves as a parallel and reinforcing command to the first, emphasizing the same protective decree. By referring to "my prophets," God highlights the role of His chosen ones as His spokespeople, through whom He communicates His will and truth. The phrase "do no harm" (Hebrew: *ra'a'*, meaning "to do evil" or "to injure") is synonymous with "touch not," reiterating the absolute prohibition against any malicious act or opposition towards those whom God has appointed. This parallelism underscores the comprehensive nature of God's protective shield over His chosen instruments.

#### Literary Devices
The verse [1 Chronicles 16:22](/1_chronicles/16-22 "1 Chronicles 16:22 - God's Protective Decree") employs several significant literary devices that amplify its message. Foremost is **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the second line reiterates the meaning of the first in different words: "Touch not mine anointed" is echoed by "and do my prophets no harm." This repetition intensifies the divine prohibition and broadens its scope, ensuring the message of protection is clearly understood. The use of **Divine Fiat** or **Command** ("Touch not," "do no harm") highlights the absolute authority and power of God's declaration. It is not a suggestion but an imperative, demonstrating God's direct and forceful intervention on behalf of His chosen ones. Furthermore, there is an element of **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where "mine anointed" and "my prophets" stand in for the entire nation of Israel, or at least the divinely appointed leaders and representatives within it. While the patriarchs are specifically referenced in the broader context of [Psalm 105](/psalm/105 "Psalm 105 - God's Faithfulness to Israel"), the terms extend to encompass God's chosen people as a whole, indicating that God's protective hand is over His entire covenant community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This powerful declaration in [1 Chronicles 16:22](/1_chronicles/16-22 "1 Chronicles 16:22 - God's Protective Decree") reveals a foundational theological truth: God is actively involved in protecting and preserving His chosen people and His divine purposes through them. It underscores His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, demonstrating that those whom He has set apart are under His special care and are not to be harmed or hindered by human opposition. This principle extends beyond the literal patriarchs to encompass all whom God calls and uses for His kingdom work throughout history. It is a testament to God's sovereignty, His justice in defending His own, and His commitment to ensuring that His redemptive plan unfolds without ultimate obstruction. The warning serves as a divine boundary, indicating that to oppose God's anointed or prophets is to contend with God Himself.

* [Psalm 105:15](/psalm/105-15 "Psalm 105:15 - Parallel Command")
* [1 Samuel 24:6](/1_samuel/24-6 "1 Samuel 24:6 - David's Respect for God's Anointed")
* [2 Corinthians 1:21-22](/2_corinthians/1-21 "2 Corinthians 1:21-22 - Believers Anointed by God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
For believers today, [1 Chronicles 16:22](/1_chronicles/16-22 "1 Chronicles 16:22 - God's Protective Decree") remains a profound truth about God's protective hand over His people and His work. While the specific context of ancient Israelite kings and prophets has changed, the underlying principle endures: God safeguards those whom He has chosen and empowered for His purposes. All who are "in Christ" are, in a spiritual sense, "anointed" by the Holy Spirit for service and witness ([2 Corinthians 1:21-22](/2_corinthians/1-21 "2 Corinthians 1:21-22 - God Anoints Believers")). This verse calls us to a posture of respect and discernment towards those genuinely called and gifted by God to lead, teach, or speak His truth within the church. It also offers immense comfort and assurance, reminding us that God watches over His own, providing spiritual and often physical protection even in the face of opposition. Conversely, it serves as a solemn warning against carelessly opposing God's will or His chosen instruments, for to do so is to contend with God Himself. This encourages humility, prayer, and careful discernment before criticizing or interfering with perceived divine work, fostering an environment where God's servants can fulfill their calling without undue human hindrance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's historical protection of His "anointed" and "prophets" deepen your trust in His care for you today?**
* **In what ways might we, as believers, be considered "anointed" by God for His purposes in the world?**
* **What is the balance between respecting spiritual authority and holding leaders accountable, in light of this verse?**

### FAQ

**Who are "mine anointed" and "my prophets" in the immediate context of 1 Chronicles 16:22?**

Answer: In the immediate historical and literary context, "mine anointed" and "my prophets" primarily refer to the patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—and their descendants, who constituted God's chosen covenant people. The preceding verses in [1 Chronicles 16](/1_chronicles/16 "1 Chronicles 16 - David's Psalm") (and [Psalm 105](/psalm/105 "Psalm 105 - God's Faithfulness")) recount how God protected them during their nomadic wanderings, explicitly stating that He "suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings for their sakes" ([1 Chronicles 16:21](/1_chronicles/16-21 "1 Chronicles 16:21 - God Reproves Kings")). Abraham, for instance, is explicitly called a "prophet" in [Genesis 20:7](/genesis/20-7 "Genesis 20:7 - Abraham as a Prophet"). Thus, these terms refer to those whom God had specifically chosen, consecrated, and through whom He revealed His will and established His covenant.

**Does this verse mean that believers should never question or criticize church leaders or spiritual authorities?**

Answer: No, this verse does not advocate for blind obedience or an absence of accountability for spiritual leaders. While it strongly cautions against *harming*, *undermining*, or *maliciously opposing* those genuinely called and anointed by God for His work, it does not preclude righteous discernment, constructive critique, or holding leaders accountable when they deviate from God's word or engage in sin. The New Testament encourages believers to test everything ([1 Thessalonians 5:21](/1_thessalonians/5-21 "1 Thessalonians 5:21 - Test Everything")), to beware of false prophets ([Matthew 7:15](/matthew/7-15 "Matthew 7:15 - Beware of False Prophets")), and provides clear instructions for church discipline, even for leaders ([1 Timothy 5:19-20](/1_timothy/5-19 "1 Timothy 5:19-20 - Accusations Against Elders")). The core message of [1 Chronicles 16:22](/1_chronicles/16-22 "1 Chronicles 16:22 - God's Protective Decree") is a warning against opposing God's true work and His true servants, recognizing that such opposition is ultimately against God Himself.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The declaration in [1 Chronicles 16:22](/1_chronicles/16-22 "1 Chronicles 16:22 - God's Protective Decree") finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the preeminent "Anointed One," the Messiah (from the Hebrew *mashiyach*) and the Christ (from the Greek *christos*), upon whom the Spirit of the Lord rests without measure ([Isaiah 61:1](/isaiah/61-1 "Isaiah 61:1 - Prophecy of the Anointed One") and [Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus' Fulfillment of Isaiah 61")). Jesus is the ultimate Prophet, who perfectly speaks the words of God ([Deuteronomy 18:18](/deuteronomy/18-18 "Deuteronomy 18:18 - A Prophet Like Moses") and [John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - Jesus Reveals God")). God's protective decree, "Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm," is perfectly exemplified in the Father's safeguarding of Jesus through His earthly ministry, even amidst constant opposition, until His appointed time for sacrifice ([John 8:59](/john/8-59 "John 8:59 - Jesus Escapes Capture")). While Jesus ultimately suffered and died, it was according to God's sovereign plan to atone for sin ([Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - God's Foreordained Plan")). His resurrection and exaltation demonstrate God's ultimate vindication and protection of His Anointed One, proving that no harm could ultimately thwart God's redemptive purpose through Him. Furthermore, through union with Christ, believers are spiritually "anointed" by the Holy Spirit ([2 Corinthians 1:21-22](/2_corinthians/1-21 "2 Corinthians 1:21-22 - God Anoints Believers")) and become part of His prophetic community, called to proclaim His truth ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")). Thus, the protective promise of [1 Chronicles 16:22](/1_chronicles/16-22 "1 Chronicles 16:22 - God's Protective Decree") extends to all who are "in Christ," assuring them of God's unwavering care and commitment to preserve His people for His eternal purposes, culminating in the new heavens and new earth where no harm can ever touch His redeemed ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Mourning")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 20:7

Now therefore restore the man [his] wife; for he [is] a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore [her] not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that [are] thine.

Psalms 105:15

[Saying], Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.

Genesis 49:8

¶ Judah, thou [art he] whom thy brethren shall praise: thy hand [shall be] in the neck of thine enemies; thy father's children shall bow down before thee.

Genesis 49:10

The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him [shall] the gathering of the people [be].

Genesis 48:19

And his father refused, and said, I know [it], my son, I know [it]: he also shall become a people, and he also shall be great: but truly his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his seed shall become a multitude of nations.

Genesis 48:20

And he blessed them that day, saying, In thee shall Israel bless, saying, God make thee as Ephraim and as Manasseh: and he set Ephraim before Manasseh.

1 John 2:27

But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.