Pastors and gospel ministers are among Africa’s most respected figures, believed to connect directly with God. This respect for the man of God has, at times, been manipulated. Sadly, those abuses and the pastors carrying them out are often defended with the phrase, “touch not the Lord’s anointed.” It’s used to block criticism, discourage questions or accountability. Arguably the most misused Bible verse in Africa, then, is 1 Chronicles 16:22.
While most people know the phrase, very few know its source.
Funnily enough, while most people know the phrase, very few know its source, original context, or true meaning. This is why so many claim that it means we should never challenge someone with spiritual authority, a pastor or a preacher. For wouldn’t that be to touch the Lord’s anointed? As we’ll see below, the answer is No. True, a sacred warning was issued in 1 Chronicles along those lines. But it shouldn’t be treated as a simplistic slogan to squash accountability. I’ll demonstrate this by examining the verse in its context. God does have something to say to his people in the African context; only it isn’t that these so-called Lord’s anointed are above correction, accountability and reproof.
“Touch Not the Lord’s Anointed” in Context
As I’ve already said, the phrase “touch not the Lord’s anointed” is derived from 1 Chronicles 16:22. And it’s repeated in Psalm 105:15. In the first passage, it’s part of a song of thanksgiving, sung by David. It celebrates God’s covenant faithfulness to Israel, for the return of the Ark (1 Chronicles 16:1). You can read about some of the events preceding the Ark’s return in 1 Samuel 4-7. It’s a turbulent tale, marked by Israel’s infidelity to God as well as the disobedience of her leaders. But that starts to change with David. Unlike his predecessor, Saul, David understood the importance of proper worship among God’s people. And he set about restoring it, establishing Jerusalem as both Israel’s political capital and spiritual centre.
David wasn’t singing about clergy or gospel ministers.
Fundamental to establishing Jerusalem as the centre of worship in Israel was the return of the Ark. This was no simple task (2 Samuel 6:6-7). God’s holy presence is dangerous (Hebrews 12:29). People can only approach him using the divinely prescribed instructions. And after a lengthy list of failures and mishaps, David did just that. He successfully brought the Ark to Jerusalem with joy, sacrifices, music and worship (1 Chronicles 15:13-15). It was a thunderous celebration, full of thanksgiving and praise. And it’s during this climactic moment in Israel’s history that David sang: ‘touch not the Lord’s anointed.’
Notably, David wasn’t singing about clergy or gospel ministers. He wasn’t even speaking about himself, but recounting how God had protected the patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. When they were vulnerable wanderers in foreign nations, like Egypt, God shielded them from harm. Why? Because of his covenant promises. And it’s God’s faithfulness to those promises that David is celebrating in 1 Chronicles 16.
Much more can be said about this context and history behind the verse, but we can say one thing for sure: it is not a shield for religious leaders, calling for us to close ranks around them, dismissing any and all criticisms.
Misinterpretations in Modern Africa
Across Africa many Christian movements and churches enshrine “the anointed.” The term is synonymous with various other titles: pastor; apostle; man of God; or prophet. Whatever the title, when someone is referred to as “the anointed” it usually follows that we should never question their decisions or conduct—perhaps especially around finances. We mustn’t examine their preaching, which is typically backed up by private messages from God in the form of visions and dreams. Using the phrase “touch not the Lord’s anointed,” practising discernment and insisting on accountability is rebranded as spiritual rebellion.
Cultural instincts have in some ways galvanised the gross misinterpretation of this phrase.
None of this is to suggest that we shouldn’t hold respect for our elders. This is something built into most African cultures and it’s good. It’s healthy to honour age, which typically brings with it wisdom. However, this can often mean that confronting or even merely disagreeing with a leader or elder is considered disrespectful. To put it simply, in Africa leaders are afforded much respect but offered little criticism. These cultural instincts have in some ways galvanised the gross misinterpretation and abuse of 1 Chronicles 16:22. But holding leaders to account isn’t wrong. Nor is it dangerous. It’s biblical. God commands it. For it’s unaccountable leaders who are perhaps the most dangerous.
What Does “Touch Not the Lord’s Anointed” Mean?
To understand this phrase, in addition to the historical context, we can examine it more closely. Firstly, the word translated “touch” describes physical harm or aggression. It doesn’t mean ‘do not question, correct or evaluate.’ In fact, David, the author of this very song, was once criticised and roundly rebuked by the prophet Nathan. How did he respond? Well, instead of insisting, “touch not the Lord’s anointed” he repented.
How did David respond to correction? He repented.
Secondly, in the Old Testament the term “anointed ones” is used to describe people who’re ritually set apart as priests or kings. There is no biblical evidence that Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were formally anointed with oil. Instead, the word is being used in a broader theological sense, referring to those specially chosen by God for his covenant purposes.
Thirdly, in the New Testament the language of anointing isn’t reserved for a specific class of people or leaders, but is attributed to all believers. “You have an anointing from the Holy One, and all of you know the truth” (1 John 2:20). This idea is repeated in 1 John 2:27, where the apostle explains that “the anointing you received from him remains in you.” Significantly, John was addressing the whole community or church (1 John 1:5), rather than some self-appointed leader.
Applying It
As we close, let me be clear: this isn’t an invitation for gossip, character assassination, or reckless accusations against church leaders. Believers are instructed not to admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses (1 Timothy 5:19). So there are situations where they should be called to account. When God says elders should live lives that are “above reproach” (1 Timothy 3:2), he didn’t mean they are beyond correction. If they fail to meet God’s standard, they ought to be challenged and corrected.
If elders fail to meet God’s standard, they ought to be corrected.
In its original Old Testament context, “touch not the Lord’s anointed” has nothing to do with preachers or gospel ministers. The phrase recounts how God protected the patriarchs from physical harm and danger. There’s nothing about speaking against someone here. When we reach the New Testament, we see God applying the language of anointing to all of his people, rather than a select few. Finally, whether you want to call them anointed or not, God demands integrity among those who lead his people. And he never suggests that they aren’t accountable to others.
