Psalms 105:15

Psalms 105:15 (KJV) declares a profound principle of divine protection over God's chosen servants: "Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm." This verse encapsulates God's unwavering commitment to safeguard those He has set apart for His purposes.

Context of Psalms 105:15

Psalm 105 is a historical psalm, recounting God's covenant faithfulness to Israel from the time of Abraham through their deliverance from Egypt and settlement in Canaan. Specifically, verses 12-15 describe the period when Israel was a small, nomadic group, wandering among various nations. During this vulnerable time, God actively intervened to protect them, rebuking kings and nations for their sake. This verse serves as a divine warning to anyone who might threaten these early patriarchs and their descendants, who were the bearers of God's covenant promises.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Protection: The primary message is God's active and sovereign protection over His people. He acts as a shield for those He has chosen, ensuring their safety and the fulfillment of His plans for them.
• Reverence for God's Servants: The command "Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm" underscores the sacredness of those God has set apart. It's a warning against any act of aggression or disrespect towards them, as doing so is seen as an affront to God Himself.
• God's Sovereignty: This verse highlights God's ultimate authority over all nations and rulers. He can rebuke kings and nations to protect His own, demonstrating His power to direct human events for His divine purposes.
• Covenant Faithfulness: It reinforces God's unwavering faithfulness to the covenant He made with Abraham, ensuring the survival and prosperity of his descendants despite their precarious circumstances.

Linguistic Insights

• "Anointed" (Hebrew: mashiyach): While this term often refers to kings or priests who were consecrated with oil, here it is used in a broader sense. It signifies those divinely chosen and consecrated for a special purpose, endowed with God's presence and authority. In the context of the patriarchs, it emphasizes their unique status as God's chosen representatives. This is the root word for "Messiah" and "Christ," pointing to one specially chosen by God.
• "Prophets" (Hebrew: nabiy'): This term refers to individuals who speak on God's behalf, receiving and conveying divine revelation. Abraham himself is called a prophet in Genesis 20:7. In this psalm, it encompasses the patriarchs and early leaders who communicated God's will and led His people.
• "Touch not" / "Do no harm": These are strong prohibitions, indicating that any harm inflicted upon God's anointed or prophets would incur divine judgment.

Related Scriptures

• A parallel passage is found in 1 Chronicles 16:22.
• God's protective eye over His people is also emphasized in Zechariah 2:8, stating that "he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye."
• The concept of God rebuking kings for His people's sake is illustrated in various accounts, such as God's interaction with Abimelech concerning Abraham (Genesis 20:6).

Practical Application

Psalms 105:15 carries timeless relevance. It calls believers to:

• Respect Spiritual Authority: While not all modern leaders are "anointed" in the same prophetic sense, this verse instills a principle of respecting those whom God has clearly called and set apart for leadership or ministry within His church.
• Trust in God's Protection: It reminds us that God is actively involved in protecting His people and His work in the world. Even in times of vulnerability, believers can find solace in God's sovereign care.
• Consider the Gravity of Opposition: It serves as a sober warning against opposing God's will or harming His genuine servants. Such actions are not merely against individuals but against the God who commissioned them.

Ultimately, this verse is a powerful declaration of God's vigilance and commitment to His covenant people, assuring them of His unfailing protection as they walk in His purposes.