Psalm 105:15

, saying, “Touch not my anointed ones, do my prophets no harm!”

If you have been around the UPCI for any amount of time it is guaranteed that you have heard this verse preached in the instruction to never question the MOG. This is a clear example to the importance of context—Just a few verses before this oft-twisted passage, we read:

Psalm 105:12-15

When they were few in number, of littler account, and sojourners in it, wandering from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another people, he allowed no one to oppress them; he rebuked kings on their account, saying, “Touch not my anointed ones, do my prophets no harm!”

Simply put, the writer is recounting the earliest days of Israel—when they were few in number. When was the last time a MOG wandered from nation to nation? When did God last rebuke a king on their behalf? It’s clear that the ‘anointed ones’ referenced here within this passage refer to specific events and people, not to a universal ‘protection’ for today’s leaders.

If you are still in doubt to the validity of this ‘interpretation’—Starting from the beginning of Psalm 105 emphatically confirms our context:

Psalm 105:1-6

Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice! Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he uttered, O offspring of Abraham, his servant, children of Jacob, his chosen ones!

We now can confidently see that the writer is instructing the nation of Israel to praise God & to make known his deeds among all people. The writer immediately does that which he instructs by retelling the history of Israel within the remainder of the chapter.

Nowhere do we find that our original verse is even applying to ‘anointed ones’ within the Israelites of the time (it is simply a retelling of events). The original verse we studied (v15) is likely referencing the story of Abraham, Sarah, and Abimelech given the re-telling of major Jewish historical events.

1 Chronicles 16:22

saying, “Touch not my anointed ones, do my prophets no harm!”

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This same context is to be properly applied to this referential passage as well. Likewise, this passage is brutally ripped out of context in order to fit an agenda.

Another common deception found is in:

Romans 13:1-7

v1:2: For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.

v.7: Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are owed, revenue to whom revenue is owed, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed.

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Another couple of passages ripped out of context to support the idea of unquestionable authority given to the MOG can be found in Romans. When we read the entire chapter however the discussion is clearly centered on how a believer should operate under authority of civil government. The false “authority” of MOG is not in any way within the context of these verses.

Hebrews 13:17

Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.

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This verse is infamous for abuse throughout history—however we must keep context in mind to discern what is being instructed here. The writer had previously defined what a leader was in this context: those who spoke the Word Of God. This immediately disqualifies any MOG which has misrepresented the Word Of God.

Beyond this, false teachings had come against the church and the writer is instructing that they should not change from the truth they first received (as Jesus is the same yesterday, today, & forever). Following the leader’s (previously defined) way of life is stated as how we can continue towards this goal.

To empress the importance of this even further; the writer continues to instruct us to obey & submit to these leaders as they will be called to give an account for how they have guided the church.

Just as we are called to live in the example of Christ—surely our leaders have the same obligation. We can confidently assert that Jesus Christ would never lead with the way in which these MOGs lead today within the UPCI. Christ is the head of the Church alone; true leaders will point people to Christ entirely; not to their own opinions/vision.

Lastly, I would be re missed not to mention that we ALL are anointed by ONE Spirit through Jesus Christ; as we have received an anointing from the Holy One.

1 John 2:20-27

But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge. I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth.

Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son. No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also. Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise that he made to us—eternal life.

I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you. But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him.

Romans 8:11

If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.

2 Corinthians 1:21-22

And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.

2 Timothy 1:14

By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.

You cannot lose this anointing, no amount of works can increase or give you a “fresh” anointing—Which by the way, why is it only the MOG who can accurately proclaim this fresh anointing has arrived at ‘altar call’?

Instead of teaching a falsehood of “anointing levels” between believers (with the MOG as the head), our spiritual leaders should be teaching that we are all equal in the body of Christ, just as each member of the body is equal in the greater purpose of loving one another; as Christ first loved us.

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For further study of leadership within the body of Christ; along with how we are to treat one another: check out Hebrews 13

This post is part of the “Law To Grace” series, a multi-part exploration of how man-made authority and false doctrine has shaped our faith—and how God’s grace and truth can overcome these man-made shackles. Whether you’re reading in order or joining the conversation midway, each article provides insights to help you discern truth from deception and embrace the unconditional love of Christ.

This work represents my personal views and interpretations and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representative of any organization, including the United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI) or any other religious institution. The content is intended for discussion and personal reflection. Any references to organizations, doctrines, or teachings are made for informational and analytical purposes.