Verse
Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm. – Psalm 105:15
Meaning of Psalm 105:15
The verse Psalm 105:15 is essential due to the acknowledgment of the chosen leaders or individuals appointed by God for a specific purpose. It includes kings, priests, and prophets who were consecrated and set apart by God for His work. In present times, the verse applies to the leaders of states and countries as well as the head of the churches. The verse ‘Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm’ means God is giving a warning and a reminder of God’s protection over His chosen ones. The words are written as cautions against mistreating people anointed by God. It also emphasizes the sanctity and divine authority given to these individuals, and it commands believers to show reverence and respect toward them. Psalm 105 recounts the history of God’s covenant with Israel and His faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. Hence, the verse highlights the divine intervention and protection God extends to His chosen servants throughout history.
Interpretations of Psalm 105:15
The verse Psalm 105:15 is a warning verse that shows God’s protection over His disciples. A few interpretations are given below.
Interpretation #1 God promises divine protection
According to this interpretation, the reader believes that God is offering divine protection to people who proclaim God’s message. They were also called prophets throughout the old testament. Hence the verse, Psalm 105:15, ‘Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm’ as per the readers refer to God’s warning against harming His chosen leaders or anointed ones. The verse also emphasizes that God acts as a shield, safeguarding those who are called to serve Him. He or she believes that protection extends beyond physical danger with divine intervention in times of danger, as told in the stories of Jonah, Elijah, and Daniel. The reader also understands God’s commitment to ensuring the well-being and safety of His chosen servants.
Interpretation #2 God gave spiritual authority to chosen people
In this version, the readers understand that the chosen people or the anointed people are given spiritual authority by God. The verse, Psalm 105:15, ‘Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm’ emphasizes the power and influence given by God to the believer who is also anointed to perform special tasks such as prophesying or leading a church. This interpretation also highlights the significance of respecting and submitting to the leadership and guidance of people who are handpicked by God and are representatives on earth, such as priests. He or she believes that the verse is a reminder of recognizing and honoring the spiritual authority that these chosen believers carry.
Interpretation #3 God gave spiritual authority to chosen people
In this version, the reader connects the verse with the historical context that was related to the journey of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land. Here, the verse Psalm 105:15, ‘Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm’ suggests that God had warned other nations against harming His chosen people, i.e., Israelites, during this period. The verse speaks about the divine protection given to the Israelites during their journey as they also went through various obstacles. The reader also believes that this interpretation proves God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to His covenant people, as highlighted in the book of Exodus. He or she also understands that Psalm 105:15 serves as a reminder of God’s care for His chosen ones throughout their historical journey and the consequences of opposing His plan for them.
Interpretation #4 God gave spiritual authority to chosen people
In the version, the reader believes that David is reminding about the covenant faithfulness promised by God to the patriarchy. In other words, God gave spiritual authority to chosen people. The verse ‘Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm’ according to the reader is that God’s covenant relationship with Israel involved patriarchal structures and leadership. Hence, it emphasizes that any harm towards the anointed or chosen ones, including prophets and leaders, would disrupt God’s plan for His people and endanger the fulfillment of His promises. He or she recognizes the patriarchal nature of the biblical narrative as it highlights the importance of honoring and respecting the appointed male figures within the perspective of God’s agreement with Israel.
Interpretation #5 The verse is a Universal Principle
In this final interpretation, the readers understand that the verse is a universal principle. In other words, it is applicable to the Israelites in a historical context, protection of Kings and prophets who were anointed or set apart at that time, patriarchs of Israel, as well as priests and church leaders of the current time. Hence the verse Psalm 105:15, ‘Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm’ holds significant relevance to the believer as it is more important than the immediate context and applies to all believers. The verse is spoken as an encouragement to people and also a reminder to recognize and honor people anointed or called by God for specific tasks in their lives. Also, the verse means that God is reminding His children or believers to treat such individuals with respect and avoid distracting them from their God-given purpose.
Historical background of Psalm 105:15
The book of Psalms is one of the most-read books among Christians and non-Christians for its poetic style. Psalm 105 is one of the psalms written by King David during his reign over the kingdom of Israel. It is also a hymn that celebrates the history of God’s faithfulness to the people of Israel. According to historical period, the time period since Abraham was known as the patriarchal era, including the time of Moses and the early conquest of the Promised Land. Psalm 105 also narrates God’s covenant and relationship with Israel, including the promise He made to Abraham, the deliverance from Egyptian slavery, and the journey to the Promised Land. The verse Psalm 105:15 highlights the divine warning not to harm God’s anointed ones and prophets. This verse reflects the protection and special status given to the leaders and messengers appointed by God throughout Israel’s history.
Literary Devices of Psalm 105:15
The verse Psalm 105:15 is one of the verses from the book of Psalms with the tone of warning from God. A few literary devices used in the verse are as follows.
Metaphor – The phrase ‘my anointed ones’ in Psalm 105:15 is a good example of a metaphor for the priest, chosen leaders, prophets, or individuals appointed by God, which means these men are special and set apart for important tasks.
Theme – The major themes of Psalm 105:15 are promise, warning, assurance, and calling.
Consonance – The verse has a repeated consonant sound, and few are in quick succession. For example, the sound of /n/, the sound of /t/, and the sound of /r/ in ‘Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm’.
Assonance – The verse also has vowel sounds in repetition without quick succession. For example, the sound of /o/ in ‘Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm’.
Rhetorical Device: The verse Psalm 105:15 uses a rhetorical device in the form of a warning with a persuasive tone. It is meant to be a cautionary statement, asking people not to harm God’s chosen ones.