Topical Bible: Power of God: The Hand of God

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of the "Hand of God" is a powerful and recurring theme throughout the Bible, symbolizing God's active presence, authority, and intervention in the world. This metaphorical expression is used to convey God's omnipotence, guidance, protection, and judgment.

Divine Creation and Sovereignty

The Hand of God is first seen in the act of creation, where God's power is manifest in bringing the universe into existence. Psalm 19:1 declares, "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands." This imagery underscores God's supreme authority and creative power, establishing His sovereignty over all creation.

Guidance and Deliverance

The Hand of God is often associated with His guidance and deliverance of His people. In Exodus 13:3, Moses instructs the Israelites to remember their deliverance from Egypt, saying, "Remember this day, the day you came out of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, for the LORD brought you out of it by the strength of His hand." Here, the Hand of God signifies His mighty intervention and faithfulness in leading His people to freedom.

Protection and Provision

The protective aspect of God's hand is evident in passages such as Isaiah 41:10, where God reassures His people, "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." This verse highlights God's commitment to sustaining and protecting His followers, offering them strength and support.

Judgment and Discipline

The Hand of God also represents His judgment and discipline. In 1 Samuel 5:6, the Philistines experience the heavy hand of God as a form of divine retribution: "Now the hand of the LORD was heavy upon the people of Ashdod, and He ravaged them and afflicted them with tumors." This demonstrates God's power to execute justice and correct wrongdoing.

Empowerment and Blessing

The Hand of God is a source of empowerment and blessing for those who seek Him. In Acts 11:21, the early church experiences growth and success through divine empowerment: "The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord." This passage illustrates how God's hand can guide and bless the efforts of His people, leading to spiritual fruitfulness.

Symbol of Authority and Kingship

The Hand of God is also a symbol of divine authority and kingship. In Psalm 110:1, a messianic prophecy states, "The LORD said to my Lord: 'Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.'" This verse points to the ultimate authority of Christ, seated at the right hand of God, signifying His exalted position and dominion.

Conclusion

The Hand of God is a multifaceted symbol in the Bible, representing His power, presence, and purpose. Whether through creation, deliverance, protection, judgment, empowerment, or authority, the Hand of God is a testament to His active and sovereign role in the affairs of humanity.

Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 9:3,15
Behold, the hand of the LORD is on your cattle which is in the field, on the horses, on the asses, on the camels, on the oxen, and on the sheep: there shall be a very grievous murrain.
Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 48:13
My hand also has laid the foundation of the earth, and my right hand has spanned the heavens: when I call to them, they stand up together.
Nave's Topical Index

Greek

2901. krataioo -- to strengthen
... 2904 ) -- to prevail by God's strength, ie as His power over opposition (). See
2904 (). For the believer, 2901 ("attain mastery, the upper-hand") operates by ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2901.htm - 7k

Library

Kept by the Power of God
... we may believe fully that the everlasting God is going to be our Companion, holding
our hand every moment of ... He has the power to let the sunshine of His ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/absolute surrender/kept by the power of.htm

A Manifestation of God in Answer to Prayer
... immutable in purpose and invincible in power for evermore. ... what the praying company
said about God's enemies,. ... together, For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy ...
/.../anderson/prayer availeth much/chapter 7 a manifestation of.htm

God's Controversy with Man. Rev. Charles Prest.
... his hand. It is a very dangerous thing, a thing I have never done in my life, and
never would do, to talk about the providence of God in its punitive power, to ...
/.../king/the wesleyan methodist pulpit in malvern/gods controversy with man rev.htm

The Praying that Glorifies God
... of God. His exaltation to the right hand of the Majesty on high began a new epoch
in the praying and working of the disciples. The Saviour had imparted power ...
/.../anderson/prayer availeth much/chapter 4 the praying that.htm

The Blame of Our Misdeeds not to be Cast Upon God the one Power ...
... what He does not will and what He does, we still have a volition and an arbitrating
power of electing the ... On the other hand, the will of God had come to ...
/.../tertullian/on exhortation to chastity/chapter ii the blame of our.htm

The Doctrine of God
... So is it with our vision of God. He desires us to see not His hand and finger, denoting
His power and skill, nor even His throne as indicating His majesty. ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrine of god.htm

Prayer and God's Work
... And, therefore, the hand of the Lord is stayed, though not altogether; though He
does work still. ... And, therefore, their prayer has little power with God. ...
/.../bounds/the essentials of prayer/vii prayer and gods work.htm

Blessed Adversity.
... was serving GOD. "All that he hath," said GOD, "is in thy power; only upon
himself put not forth thine hand.". SATAN'S MALIGNITY. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/taylor/a ribband of blue/blessed adversity.htm

Wesley -- God's Love to Fallen Man
... have been done; and, thirdly, by putting it into our power to suffer ... joys occasioned
thereby shall never end, but flow at God's right hand for evermore. ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 3/wesley gods love to.htm

God's Providence
... it from human additions, and to exhibit its power. ... are represented as inseparably
connected with the agency of God. ... see more and more plainly the hand of God ...
/.../chapter vi gods providence.htm