Psalms 105:15
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 105:15
15 Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.
Chapter Context
Psalms 105 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of mercy, holiness, creation. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-45: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 105:15
15 Saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.
Analysis
God warned: 'Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.' The patriarchs are called God's anointed (meshiach) and prophets, showing their special status. To harm them is to attack God Himself. This principle extends to all God's people—persecuting believers persecutes Christ (Acts 9:4). 'Touch not' doesn't mean avoid all contact but forbids harming. The anointed one ultimately is Christ, whose persecution fulfills this warning. The Reformed understanding of union with Christ means that attacks on believers are attacks on Christ Himself.
Historical Context
The patriarchs weren't literally anointed with oil like later kings, but were chosen and set apart by God for special purposes. Their prophetic role involved receiving and transmitting God's revelation.
Reflection
- How does understanding yourself as God's anointed affect your response to persecution or opposition?
- What responsibility comes with being protected as God's anointed—how should you treat others?
Word Studies
- Prophet: נָבִיא (Navi) H5030 - Prophet, spokesman
Cross-References
- Prophecy: Genesis 20:7
- Parallel theme: Genesis 26:11, Zechariah 2:8, 1 John 2:27