“Do Not Touch My Anointed”

Introduction

The phrase "Do not touch my anointed" has been used to warn people against speaking against or mistreating God's anointed person. Today, I want to examine this phrase and its common usage within the proper biblical context. And I want to continue challenging all of you who listen to examine yourselves to see whether you will adhere to God's word or man's interpretation.

Your Understanding

In what context have you heard the phrase used?

Within that context, how do you understand its meaning?

How do you feel when it is used?

What does God say

The word anoint is first used in Genesis 31:13 “I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed a pillar and made a vow to me. Now arise, go out from this land and return to the land of your kindred.’ ”” It is in reference to Genesis 28:18-19 (Jacobs dream) and the act is repeated in Genesis 35:9-15. Yahweh instructed Moses to create a special anointing oil and anoint the tabernacle, all the items, and the priest (Ex 30:22-31). Additionally, kings and prophets were anointed (1 Sm 10:1; 1 Kgs 19:16). Finally, anointing oil was used for medicinal (Jas 5:14-16; Mk 6:12-13) and cosmetic reason (2 Sm 12:20; Ru 3:3; Mic 6:15) but failure to anoint oneself with oil can be an indication of mourning or distress (2 Sm 14:2; Dn 10:3; Mt 6:17).

Therefore, anointing served a few purposes. It was a setting apart or consecrating of someone (kings, prophets, and priest) or something for service to God, medical purposes, and hygiene or cosmetic. Our discussion today focuses more on the person.

The phrase “Do not touch my anointed” derives from a song of thanksgiving David instructed Asaph and his brothers to sing upon bringing the ark of the covenant back to Jerusalem. It is found in 1 Chronicles 16:8–36 (repeated in Ps 105).

1 Chronicles 16:8–36 ESV

8 Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! 9 Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! 10 Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice! 11 Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! 12 Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles and the judgments he uttered, 13 O offspring of Israel his servant, children of Jacob, his chosen ones! 14 He is the Lord our God; his judgments are in all the earth. 15 Remember his covenant forever, the word that he commanded, for a thousand generations, 16 the covenant that he made with Abraham, his sworn promise to Isaac, 17 which he confirmed to Jacob as a statute, to Israel as an everlasting covenant, 18 saying, “To you I will give the land of Canaan, as your portion for an inheritance.” 19 When you were few in number, of little account, and sojourners in it, 20 wandering from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another people, 21 he allowed no one to oppress them; he rebuked kings on their account, 22 saying, “Touch not my anointed ones, do my prophets no harm!” 23 Sing to the Lord, all the earth! Tell of his salvation from day to day. 24 Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! 25 For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and he is to be feared above all gods. 26 For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the Lord made the heavens. 27 Splendor and majesty are before him; strength and joy are in his place. 28 Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength! 29 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him! Worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness; 30 tremble before him, all the earth; yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved. 31 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice, and let them say among the nations, “The Lord reigns!” 32 Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it! 33 Then shall the trees of the forest sing for joy before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth. 34 Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! 35 Say also: “Save us, O God of our salvation, and gather and deliver us from among the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name and glory in your praise. 36 Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting!” Then all the people said, “Amen!” and praised the Lord.

In its context, what does it mean?

What is the biblical meaning?

The Anointed One is Jesus (He is King, Priest, and Prophet)

His anointing is spiritual meaning by the Holy Spirit (Ps2:2; Dn 9:25-26; Is 61:1; Lk 4:1, 18, 19) which is evident in His confirmation as the Son of God and His ministry (Jn 1:32-34; Lk 4:33-37).

The word of God says we too have been anointed (2 Cor 1:21-22; 1 Pet 2:4, 5, 9; 1 Jn 2:20, 27).

We all have the same Spirit. No one is given more of the Spirit than another (1 Co 12:4-11).

Those in positions of authority (Pastors/teachers, elders, bishops. . . etc.) are a not the head of the body. The LORD Jesus Christ is and Him only! Thus, as part of the body they too are held accountable and subject to discipline on account of wrong (1 Tim 5:19).

Conclusion

“Do not touch my anointed” in the context of its use is talking about the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) and the prophets most likely refers to the Gen 20:7 between Abraham and Abimelech. Nevertheless, we understand God’s anointed ones, whether king, priest, or prophet was and is consecrated to serve Him in the role He decides for them. Jesus is The Anointed One and it is through Jesus and the giving of the Holy Spirit that we now are considered anointed ones by God. Priests of one household and one body who equip one another, build one another up not tearing each other down, and hold one another accountable to the words of God. No one is the Head of the Body of Christ except Jesus Christ Himself. Therefore, the warning “Do not touch my anointed,” in its usage today, should convey a warning against speech and mistreatment against the people of God.