Psalm 105:15

Psalm 105:15, in plain English

God's warning to those nations was direct and serious: don't touch My chosen ones, don't harm My prophets—these people are under My protection and My authority.

Why it's here

The language here is formal, almost legal. 'Anointed ones' and 'prophets' aren't casual titles—they mark people as God's representatives. The message is clear: harm them and you're in conflict with God Himself. This wasn't about Israel's strength; it was about God's commitment to them.

Who's speaking

The psalmist, quoting God's declaration

Where it sits in the story

Abraham is called a prophet in Genesis 20. The patriarchs are God's representatives on earth. This principle runs throughout Scripture—God defends and protects those who belong to Him.

The scholarly reading

God warns rulers against harming the patriarchs, who bear the divine designation as 'anointed ones' and 'prophets.'

Language and setting

The quotation 'Do not touch My anointed ones!' (*'l tg'w bmshyhy*) is extraordinary: it applies 'anointed' (*mashiach*) to the patriarchs, a title later associated with kings and the expected Messiah. By calling them 'prophets' (*nbyi'y*), the psalmist retroactively identifies Abraham and Jacob as recipients of divine revelation—a claim that elevates their status to something transcending mere ethnic patriarchs.

Voice

God's direct warning, mediated through the psalmist's recitation, establishing inviolable boundaries around the patriarchs.

Significance

This universalizes patriarchal protection: they are not merely ethnic ancestors but bearers of divine office. Genesis 20:7 indeed calls Abraham a prophet (*nabi*), and Jacob receives direct divine revelation at Bethel. This establishes the hermeneutical principle that the patriarchal narratives are about something more than family history—they inaugurate prophetic mediation of God's will.

13they wandered from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another.

14He let no man oppress them; He rebuked kings on their behalf:

15“Do not touch My anointed ones! Do no harm to My prophets!”

16He called down famine on the land and cut off all their supplies of food.

17He sent a man before them— Joseph, sold as a slave.

Read all of Psalm 105 — From Abraham to the exodus, God's faithfulness is retold as a song. He remembered His holy promise and brought His people out with joy.