The concept of the futility of opposing God's anointed is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing the divine authority and protection bestowed upon those chosen by God for specific purposes. This theme is particularly evident in the narratives of the Old Testament, where kings, prophets, and leaders are often depicted as God's anointed, and any opposition to them is portrayed as ultimately futile.

Old Testament Foundations

The term "anointed" is derived from the Hebrew word "mashiach," meaning "anointed one," and is often used to refer to kings and priests who were consecrated for their roles through the ritual of anointing with oil. The most prominent example of God's anointed in the Old Testament is King David. In 1 Samuel 16:13, we read, "So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward."

David's anointing marked him as God's chosen king, and despite numerous attempts to thwart his rise to power, including King Saul's relentless pursuit, David's kingship was divinely secured. In 1 Samuel 24:6, David himself acknowledges the sacredness of God's anointed, saying, "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."

Divine Protection and Judgment

The Psalms frequently reflect on the protection afforded to God's anointed. Psalm 2:2-4 declares, "The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together, against the LORD and against His Anointed One: 'Let us break Their chains and cast away Their cords.' The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord taunts them." This passage underscores the futility of opposing God's anointed, as divine authority and power render human opposition ineffective.

The narrative of King Saul's demise further illustrates this principle. Despite Saul's initial anointing as king, his disobedience led to God's rejection of his kingship. In 1 Samuel 15:23, the prophet Samuel tells Saul, "Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king." Saul's subsequent attempts to eliminate David, God's newly anointed, ultimately failed, demonstrating the futility of resisting God's will.

Messianic Fulfillment

The theme of opposing God's anointed reaches its ultimate fulfillment in the New Testament with the coming of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, whose title itself means "Anointed One." The Gospels recount numerous instances where religious leaders and political authorities opposed Jesus, yet their efforts were in vain. In Acts 4:26-27, the early Christians pray, "The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against His Anointed One. Indeed, Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed."

Despite the crucifixion, Jesus' resurrection and ascension affirm the ultimate victory of God's anointed. The futility of opposing Him is further emphasized in Philippians 2:9-11, where it is proclaimed, "Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

Implications for Believers

For believers, the futility of opposing God's anointed serves as a reminder of the sovereignty and faithfulness of God. It encourages trust in God's plans and purposes, even when faced with opposition or adversity. The assurance that God's anointed will ultimately prevail provides hope and strength to those who align themselves with His will. As Romans 8:31 affirms, "If God is for us, who can be against us?" This rhetorical question underscores the invincibility of God's purposes and the security of those who are in Christ, the ultimate Anointed One.