Topical Bible: Contracts by Joining Hands

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, the act of joining hands was a significant gesture often associated with the making of agreements or covenants. This practice is rooted in the cultural and historical context of the ancient Near East, where physical gestures were integral to the establishment of binding agreements.

Biblical References

The Bible provides several instances where joining hands is indicative of forming a contract or agreement. In Proverbs 6:1, the act of shaking hands is associated with pledging oneself as surety: "My son, if you have put up security for your neighbor, if you have struck hands in pledge with a stranger" . This verse highlights the seriousness of entering into agreements and the potential consequences of such commitments.

Similarly, in Proverbs 17:18, the act of striking hands is again mentioned in the context of surety: "A man lacking judgment strikes hands in pledge and puts up security for his neighbor" . Here, the text warns against the imprudence of hastily entering into financial obligations without due consideration.

Cultural Context

In the ancient world, contracts were often sealed with physical gestures, such as the joining of hands, as a public demonstration of the parties' commitment to the terms agreed upon. This practice was not limited to financial transactions but extended to various forms of agreements, including alliances and covenants.

The joining of hands symbolized trust and mutual obligation. It was a visible sign that both parties were bound by the terms of the agreement, and it served as a witness to the community that the contract was legitimate and enforceable.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the act of joining hands in agreement underscores the importance of integrity and faithfulness in human relationships. The Bible consistently emphasizes the need for honesty and reliability in dealings with others. In Matthew 5:37, Jesus teaches, "But let your 'Yes' mean 'Yes,' and your 'No' mean 'No.' Anything more comes from the evil one" . This principle aligns with the idea that one's word and commitments should be trustworthy and honored.

The practice of joining hands as a form of contract also reflects the covenantal nature of God's relationship with humanity. Throughout Scripture, God makes covenants with His people, promising faithfulness and requiring the same in return. These divine covenants serve as a model for human agreements, highlighting the sacredness of promises and the moral obligation to uphold them.

Practical Application

In contemporary Christian practice, the principles underlying contracts by joining hands remain relevant. Believers are called to be people of their word, reflecting God's faithfulness in their interactions with others. Whether in business, personal relationships, or community engagements, Christians are encouraged to approach agreements with sincerity, ensuring that their commitments are made thoughtfully and honored diligently.

The biblical concept of contracts by joining hands serves as a reminder of the weight of our promises and the importance of maintaining integrity in all aspects of life.

Nave's Topical Index

Proverbs 6:1
My son, if you be surety for your friend, if you have stricken your hand with a stranger,
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Proverbs 11:21
Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.
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Proverbs 17:18
A man void of understanding strikes hands, and becomes surety in the presence of his friend.
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Proverbs 22:26
Be not you one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts.
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Ezekiel 17:18
Seeing he despised the oath by breaking the covenant, when, see, he had given his hand, and has done all these things, he shall not escape.
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Library

Out of Sectarian Confusion
... me that I could not have two valid contracts for my ... would have the people come and
shake hands, inferring that in so doing they were not joining anything, but ...
/.../cole/trials and triumphs of faith/chapter xii out of sectarian.htm

Chapter xxxi
... nice differentiations in colouring as the new contracts made necessary ... misery and
the toil of my hands, God saw ... We cannot conceive of Jacob as joining with the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxi.htm

Chaldaean Civilization
... tablets, and dictionaries"Their contracts, and their ... of women standing with outstretched
hands, passing to ... any decoration except the regular joining of the ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... Contracts dated the year of an inundation which laid waste ... Accad, and having placed
in his hands the reins ... from a little south of Babylon, joining those of ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

Ancient Chaldaea
... of the fields, they fashioned them and made of them creatures of life."** According
to one legend, these first animals had hardly left the hands of their ...
/.../chapter iancient chaldaea.htm

Summa Theologica
Summa Theologica. <. Summa Theologica Saint Thomas Aquinas. Table
of Contents. Title Page. Whether, besides philosophy, any ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/

part i
... by faith and good works, and unavoidably contracts, becomes restless ... am a mystery,
as the work of His hands. ... sweet union, we feel that by joining ourselves to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm