In the biblical narrative, the concept of God's anointed refers to individuals chosen by God for specific purposes, often to lead or deliver His people. This includes kings, prophets, and ultimately, the Messiah. Opposition to these anointed figures is a recurring theme in Scripture, and the consequences of such opposition are consistently portrayed as severe and detrimental.

Old Testament Examples

1. King Saul and David: One of the most illustrative examples is the relationship between King Saul and David. David, anointed by the prophet Samuel to be the future king of Israel (1 Samuel 16:13), faced intense opposition from Saul, who sought to kill him out of jealousy and fear of losing his throne. Despite Saul's efforts, David was protected by God, and Saul's opposition ultimately led to his downfall. In 1 Samuel 24:6, David refrains from harming Saul, acknowledging, "The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD’s anointed, or lift my hand against him; for he is the LORD’s anointed." Saul's persistent opposition to David resulted in his own demise and the loss of his kingdom (1 Samuel 31).

2. Korah's Rebellion: In Numbers 16, Korah, Dathan, and Abiram led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, whom God had appointed as leaders of Israel. Their opposition was not merely against human authority but against God's chosen representatives. The consequence was swift and severe: the earth opened up and swallowed the rebels and their households, demonstrating God's judgment against those who oppose His anointed (Numbers 16:31-33).

3. Absalom's Revolt: Absalom, the son of King David, attempted to usurp the throne, opposing his father, God's anointed king. Despite his initial success in gaining support, Absalom's rebellion ended in failure and his death (2 Samuel 18:9-15). This narrative underscores the futility and destructive end of opposing God's chosen leader.

New Testament Insights

1. Jesus Christ: The ultimate fulfillment of God's anointed is found in Jesus Christ, the Messiah. Opposition to Jesus came from various quarters, including religious leaders and political authorities. Despite their efforts to thwart His mission, Jesus' crucifixion and subsequent resurrection affirmed His divine anointing and authority. Acts 4:26-27 reflects on this opposition: "The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against His Anointed One." The resurrection serves as a testament to the futility of opposing God's anointed, as it led to the establishment of the Church and the spread of the Gospel.

2. The Apostles: The early Church faced significant opposition from both Jewish and Roman authorities. The apostles, anointed by the Holy Spirit to spread the Gospel, encountered persecution, imprisonment, and martyrdom. However, their steadfastness and divine empowerment led to the growth of the Church. Acts 5:38-39 records the wise counsel of Gamaliel, who warned against opposing the apostles: "For if their purpose or endeavor is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God."

Theological Implications

The opposition to God's anointed throughout Scripture reveals a consistent pattern: such resistance is ultimately futile and leads to divine judgment. God's sovereignty ensures that His purposes will prevail, and those who oppose His anointed do so at their peril. This theme serves as a warning and a reminder of the importance of aligning oneself with God's will and recognizing His chosen instruments for His divine purposes.