Does Psalm 105:15 ("Touch not my anointed ones, do any prophets no harm") mean that we are never to criticize our leaders? When I try to bring something up, even respectfully, I am told to be quiet—that my leaders have some sort of immunity. Please help! — A brother in West Africa
I have heard this as well, even here in Europe where we are currently living. It's stunning that a passage can be taken so brazenly out of context and used in such an ungodly way!
Let's consider the verse in its context:
When they were but few in number,
few indeed, and strangers in it,
they wandered from nation to nation,
from one kingdom to another.
He allowed no one to oppress them;
for their sake he rebuked kings:
“Do not touch my anointed ones;
do my prophets no harm.” (Ps 105:12-15)
These verses have nothing to do with Christian church leaders! Rather, they apply to God's chosen people during the time of the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph...) The Lord would be with them, even though they were outnumbered. And yet even then, to claim that prophets will not be harmed is ludicrous. Consider the history of Israel—who constantly persecuted (and even executed) her prophets!
I agree with the assessment of this dubious doctrine found at gotquestions.org: "These passages are sometimes used in Pentecostal and Charismatic circles to defend certain preachers from criticism. Preachers who promote themselves or their ministries as 'anointed' warn their would-be critics, 'Do not touch God’s anointed!' Of course, this helps to insulate them from scrutiny and allows them to spread falsehood and bad theology unrestrained." Well put!
