1) Old Testament Context: physical harm, not spiritual criticism, is meant.

In the Old Testament, 'anointing' was often given to those specially set apart for a special office or task, such as that of a prophet, priest or king. The idea of not 'touching' an anointed individual can be seen with David in regard to Saul (eg: 1 Samuel 24 and 26). However the context makes very clear that what David meant is that Saul was not to be harmed physically because he was still God's anointed king (24:5-7; 26:9,11,23-24). It did not mean that Saul could not be criticised for failing to be faithful to God and His Word - for in these very chapters David publicly rebukes the King on numerous occasions (eg: see 24:8-21; 26:17-22).

Further proof that David did not take this as argument against criticism can be seen in Nathan's rebuke of his adultery and murder. David did not tell Nathan to 'not touch the Lord's anointed', but rather accepted his rebuke in humble repentance (2 Samuel 12:1-15)! Hence it is clear that this phrase does not have anything to do with scriptural criticism!

This understanding is also confirmed in Psalm 105:15 - another much misused text - which reads: "Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm." However, when one reads the context in which the passage occurs it becomes clear that this refers to God's protection of His 'anointed' Israel (and her prophets) from hostile nations during the time of the Exodus and settlement in Canaan. Even here - God and His prophets are not slow to criticise 'anointed' Israel for her waywardness!

In conclusion then, the Old Testament context shows that 'not to touch the Lord's anointed' consistently refers to protection from physical harm and never implies freedom from criticism or accountability.


2) New Testament Context: all believers anointed as prophets, priests & kings

Another problem for those who charge people with this crime is that in the New Testament all God's people are 'anointed' to serve as prophets, priests and kings, by virtue of their union with Christ - the 'Anointed One' (ie: 'Messiah' {Hebrew} or 'Christ' {Greek}) - Prophet, Priest and King supreme! (2 Corinthians 1:21-22; 1 John 2:20-21) This outpouring of the Spirit to all is one of the great blessings of the New Covenant. For some leaders then, to claim for themselves a unique 'anointing' over and above that of others is presumptuous and puts them in danger of usurping Christ's place as the Anointed One in the life of the believer.

In addition to this, Scripture states that that this anointing all believers have comes through the Truth of the Word by the Spirit, (1 John 2:20-21,27). Hence, one can validly argue that those who oppose themselves to the Truth are in danger of "harming the Lord's anointed" people - even spurning Christ (the Anointed One) Himself (Acts 9:4 cf Matthew 25:40-45)!


Conclusion: Don't Touch the Lord's Anointed - serve them instead!

True shepherds with a Biblical attitude will seek to serve and build up the flock and not force people into submission (1 Peter 5:1-3). Part of the role of overseers is to uphold the Truth (Acts 20:27-29; 2 Tim 4:1-5; Titus 1:5-9). The Apostles themselves commended those who tested their teaching against the Scriptures (Acts 17:11). Biblical leadership is not afraid of honest criticism - indeed even welcomes and expects it. A leader's response to valid criticism is often the test of the genuineness of their character.

Sadly, some leaders today do claim for themselves a special 'anointing' which they somehow see as putting them beyond criticism from 'ordinary' Christians seeking to test things Biblically. We should not be intimidated by such claims. Such leaders are in danger of committing the very crime they accuse others of by "harming the Lord's anointed" through distorting the Truth. For such the Scripture reserves its strongest warnings (Matthew 18:3-6; 2 Peter 2).