Psalm 105 15

Psalm 105:15 kjv

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

Psalm 105:15 nkjv

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

Psalm 105:15 niv

"Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm."

Psalm 105:15 esv

saying, "Touch not my anointed ones, do my prophets no harm!"

Psalm 105:15 nlt

"Do not touch my chosen people,
and do not hurt my prophets."

Psalm 105 verses

Psalm 105 15 Meaning

Psalm 105:15 conveys a divine prohibition and warning. It explicitly forbids anyone from harming or interfering with God's chosen servants, identified as "anointed ones" and "prophets." In its immediate context, this refers to the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) and their families during their migratory period, whom God supernaturally protected. Broadly, it extends to all whom God has consecrated and empowered for His purposes, emphasizing His protective sovereignty over them.

Psalm 105 15 Context

Psalm 105 is a hymn recounting God's faithful dealings with Israel throughout their history, from the call of Abraham to the establishment in Canaan. It emphasizes God's covenant, His miraculous provisions, and His unwavering protection. Verses 12-15 specifically highlight the vulnerable position of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob when they were a "few in number" and "strangers" traveling through various lands and kingdoms. Despite their weakness, God "suffered no man to do them wrong" (v. 14). He actively "reproved kings for their sakes," citing specific instances like Pharaoh and Abimelech who were warned not to harm the patriarchs or their wives. Psalm 105:15 is the explicit divine command underlying these protective actions, spoken through divine intervention, demonstrating God's supreme authority over human rulers.

Psalm 105 15 Word analysis

• Touch not (אַל-תִּגְּעוּ, al-tig'u): A strong, prohibitive imperative. This is not merely about physical contact but signifies doing harm, interfering maliciously, or disrespecting. It implies a divine boundary. The word naga‘ (גע) means "to touch, lay hand upon, reach." Here, it forbids harmful contact or aggression.
• mine anointed (בִמְשִׁיחָי, bimshikhay): Plural form of mashiach (מָשִׁיחַ), meaning "anointed one." In this context, it primarily refers to the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob), who were not anointed with oil like kings or priests, but were "anointed" by God's choice, setting them apart, and endowing them with His divine presence and protection. This divine choice constitutes a spiritual "anointing." Later, the term developed to refer to kings, priests, and eventually the ultimate Anointed One, the Messiah (Christ). The plurality indicates more than one such chosen individual.
• and do (וְלִנְבִיאַי, v'linvi'ay): "And to my prophets." Introduces the second part of the dual command, applying it to "my prophets."
• my prophets (לִנְבִיאַי, linvi'ay): Plural of navi (נָבִיא), meaning "prophet." A prophet is one who speaks for God, a spokesperson or interpreter of divine will. Abraham is specifically called a prophet in Gen 20:7. The patriarchs also functioned as recipients and proclaimers of God's covenant promises and revelations, thus acting as God's representatives.
• no harm (אַל-תָּרֵעוּ, al-tara'u): A strong, negative imperative derived from ra'a (רָעָה), meaning "to be evil," "to do evil," "to harm." This reinforces "touch not," broadening the scope to any malicious action, injury, or ill-treatment, both physical and otherwise. It's a comprehensive prohibition against causing any distress or suffering.

Word-groups analysis:

• "Touch not mine anointed": This phrase establishes a sacred barrier around those uniquely chosen by God. Their sacredness derives directly from God's personal selection and setting apart, implying divine ownership and protection. Any transgression against them is considered an act against God Himself.
• "and do my prophets no harm": This second phrase is a parallel and reinforcing statement. It identifies the "anointed ones" with "prophets," showing these roles can overlap, especially for the patriarchs. It emphasizes the active, intentional avoidance of any evil action toward God's divinely authorized spokespersons, who represent His very voice and presence. The parallelism deepens the solemnity and totality of the divine warning.

Psalm 105 15 Bonus section

The direct identical repetition of Psalm 105:15 in 1 Chronicles 16:22 underscores its foundational importance within Israel's understanding of God's historical care for them. The Chronicles account is part of a psalm sung by David when the Ark of the Covenant was brought to Jerusalem, signifying this principle was a recognized and cherished truth throughout generations. This warning implicitly serves as a reminder to rulers and peoples throughout history not to stand in opposition to God's divinely chosen instruments, as doing so invites divine judgment. Furthermore, while the immediate context points to patriarchs, the prophetic implications clearly look forward to Christ, the ultimate "Anointed One," and to His church, which He sanctifies and protects.

Psalm 105 15 Commentary

Psalm 105:15 is a potent declaration of God's jealous watchfulness and protective ownership over His chosen servants. Originating in the context of the wandering patriarchs, who were few and vulnerable amidst powerful kingdoms, it asserts that even without physical might, they were shielded by divine decree. God actively intervened, rebuking kings, to ensure no one harmed His appointed ones. This command extends a divine protective canopy over those consecrated for God's purposes, whether as spiritual leaders, designated individuals, or metaphorically, as the Messiah and His body. It is a profound warning to all who might consider opposing or inflicting ill upon God's special servants, highlighting that such acts are direct affronts to the Almighty Himself. While specific to the roles mentioned, the underlying principle is that God values and protects those who are genuinely consecrated to Him, affirming His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant and His people.