Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the act of lifting the right hand was a significant gesture, often associated with making oaths or solemn declarations. This practice is rooted in the cultural and religious traditions of the ancient Near East and is reflected in various passages of the Bible.The right hand, in biblical symbolism, is often associated with power, authority, and blessing. It is considered the hand of strength and favor. The act of raising the right hand in swearing an oath is a gesture that signifies the seriousness and binding nature of the promise being made. This practice underscores the importance of truthfulness and integrity in one's words and commitments. One of the earliest references to this practice is found in Genesis 14:22, where Abram (later Abraham) raises his hand to the LORD, God Most High, as he swears an oath: "But Abram replied to the king of Sodom, 'I have raised my hand to the LORD, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth.'" . Here, Abram's gesture indicates his solemn commitment and reliance on God as the ultimate witness to his vow. In the Psalms, the right hand is frequently mentioned in the context of God's power and faithfulness. While not directly related to swearing, these references highlight the symbolic significance of the right hand. For example, Psalm 89:13 states, "Mighty is Your arm, strong is Your hand; Your right hand is exalted." . This imagery reinforces the idea that the right hand is associated with divine strength and authority. The prophetic literature also contains instances of the right hand being lifted in oaths. In Ezekiel 20:5-6, God recounts His oath to the Israelites: "On the day I chose Israel, I swore with uplifted hand to the descendants of the house of Jacob and made Myself known to them in the land of Egypt. I swore to them, saying, 'I am the LORD your God.'" . Here, God's uplifted hand signifies His unwavering commitment to His covenant with His people. In the New Testament, the practice of swearing oaths is addressed by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. While He does not specifically mention the lifting of the right hand, His teaching emphasizes the importance of honesty and integrity in speech: "But I tell you not to swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; or by the earth, for it is His footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King." (Matthew 5:34-35). Jesus' words suggest that the need for oaths should be minimized by living a life of truthfulness. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, occasionally uses the language of oaths to affirm the truth of his statements. In 2 Corinthians 1:23, he writes, "I call God as my witness that it was in order to spare you that I did not return to Corinth." . While not explicitly mentioning the right hand, Paul's invocation of God as a witness reflects the solemnity associated with oath-taking. In summary, the lifting of the right hand in swearing is a biblically rooted gesture that conveys the gravity and sincerity of one's promises. It is a practice that underscores the importance of truthfulness and the recognition of God as the ultimate witness to human commitments. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 14:22And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up my hand to the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth, Nave's Topical Index Psalm 106:26 Isaiah 62:8 Library Psalm CX. Psalm LXXIII. Acts iii. 1 Manner of Covenanting. "It is Finished" Aron, Brother of Moses, 486, 487. Jesus --"All Blessing and all Blest" Nature of Covenanting. Again on the Calamity of the City of Antioch. ... Conclusion --Repent Ye, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand. Resources What does it mean that we should not let our left hand know what our right hand is doing (Matthew 6:3 4)? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I see the hand of God moving in my life? | GotQuestions.org Why does Scripture emphasize the right hand of God? | GotQuestions.org Hand: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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