The concept of supporting God's anointed is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, reflecting the divine mandate to honor and uphold those whom God has chosen for specific roles and purposes. This theme is evident throughout the Scriptures, where God's anointed often refers to kings, prophets, and ultimately, the Messiah.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the term "anointed" (Hebrew: מָשִׁיחַ, mashiach) primarily refers to individuals consecrated for leadership roles, such as kings and priests. The anointing with oil symbolized God's selection and empowerment for a particular task. One of the most prominent examples is King David, who, despite being pursued by King Saul, refused to harm Saul, recognizing him as the Lord's anointed. David's respect for Saul's anointed status is evident in 1 Samuel 24:6 : "He said to his men, 'The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed. May I never lift my hand against him, since he is the LORD’s anointed.'"

The support for God's anointed is not only a matter of personal loyalty but also a recognition of God's sovereign choice. This is further illustrated in the relationship between David and Jonathan, Saul's son. Despite the potential threat to his own claim to the throne, Jonathan supported David, acknowledging God's anointing upon him (1 Samuel 23:17): "Do not be afraid, for the hand of my father Saul will never lay a hand on you. You will be king over Israel, and I will be your second-in-command. Even my father Saul knows this is true."

Prophets and Priests

Support for God's anointed extends beyond kings to include prophets and priests, who were also anointed for their sacred duties. The prophet Elisha, for example, was anointed by Elijah as his successor (1 Kings 19:16). The anointing of priests, as described in Exodus 28:41 , underscores the importance of divine appointment: "After you put these clothes on your brother Aaron and his sons, anoint and ordain them. Consecrate them, so they may serve Me as priests."

Messianic Fulfillment

The ultimate fulfillment of God's anointed is found in Jesus Christ, the Messiah (Greek: Χριστός, Christos), whose anointing is both spiritual and eternal. The New Testament affirms Jesus as the anointed one, fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies. In Luke 4:18-19 , Jesus reads from the scroll of Isaiah, declaring His anointed mission: "The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor."

New Testament Application

The New Testament extends the concept of anointing to all believers, who are anointed by the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 1:21-22): "Now it is God who establishes both us and you in Christ. He anointed us, placed His seal on us, and put His Spirit in our hearts as a pledge of what is to come." This anointing calls for mutual support and recognition of each believer's role within the body of Christ.

Practical Implications

Supporting God's anointed involves recognizing and respecting those whom God has placed in positions of authority and service. This includes church leaders, who are often seen as anointed for their pastoral and teaching roles. Hebrews 13:17 exhorts believers: "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to lead with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you."

In summary, the biblical mandate to support God's anointed encompasses a wide range of applications, from honoring divinely appointed leaders to recognizing the anointing of all believers through the Holy Spirit. This support is a reflection of obedience to God's sovereign will and acknowledgment of His divine order.