In the first of a new column looking at commonly abused Bible texts, Sammy Maina considers “Touch not my anointed”…

Have you ever heard your pastor or a preacher or, if you like, a Man of God (MOG) saying to someone or their congregation, “Touch not God’s anointed”? I have heard that phrase used many times, and mostly when a leader does not want to be questioned on anything be it behavior, character, decisions etc. They will quote this verse form the Bible to inflict fear on their followers or people who may question them.

But what exactly does the Bible mean? (Psalm 105:15 and also 1 Sam. 24:6, 10; 26:9, 11, 16, 23; 2 Sam. 1:14, 16; 19:21). To use the words of another,

It’s not my opinion or yours that matters; but what God’s Word has to say about this that really counts.

What does the Bible say about it?

(This is the beginning of an article in the forthcoming April 2014 issue of Conversation Magazine. But let’s start talking now – comment below…)