Psalm 105:15

Modern

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

Traditional

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

Literal

“You shall not touch My anointed ones, and to My prophets You shall not do evil.”

Latin

Nolite tangere christos meos, et in prophetis meis nolite malignari.

Hebrew

English

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

Abraham was one of the nation's prophets (Genesis 20:7).

The Lord protected Israel’s patriarchs, the early fathers of the nation.

This hymn praises the Lord’s faithfulness to Abraham and his descendants in all their journeys:
- from Ur to Canaan (Psalm 105:12),
- to Egypt (Psalm 105:17, 23),
- through the wilderness (Psalm 105:37, 41), and
- back to Canaan (Psalm 105:44).
These events fulfilled the Lord's promise to Abraham (Psalm 105:9, 42), which was the basis for Israel’s very existence. Joseph, whose suffering turned into glory, serves as a model of encouragement for Israel (Psalm 105:16–25).
Psalm 105:1–15 (along with 96; 106:1, 47–48) is included in David’s song of praise recorded in 1 Chronicles 16.

Theme notes and profiles

Zechariah 2:8
For this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “After His Glory has sent Me against the nations that have plundered you—for whoever touches you touches the apple of His eye—
Genesis 26:11
So Abimelech warned all the people, saying, “Whoever harms this man or his wife will surely be put to death.”
Genesis 20:7
Now return the man’s wife, for he is a prophet; he will pray for you and you will live. But if you do not restore her, be aware that you will surely die—you and all who belong to you.”
1 John 2:27
And as for you, the anointing you received from Him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But just as His true and genuine anointing teaches you about all things, so remain in Him as you have been taught.
Genesis 49:8–33
Judah, your brothers shall praise you. Your hand shall be on the necks of your enemies; your father’s sons shall bow down to you.
Genesis 48:19–20
But his father refused. “I know, my son, I know!” he said. “He too shall become a people, and he too shall be great; nevertheless, his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his offspring shall become a multitude of nations.”
Genesis 27:39–40
His father Isaac answered him: “Behold, your dwelling place shall be away from the richness of the land, away from the dew of heaven above.