Topical Bible: Covenants: Ratified by Joining Hands

◄ Covenants: Ratified by Joining Hands ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, covenants are solemn agreements or promises between two parties, often involving God and His people. These covenants are foundational to the narrative of Scripture, serving as divine commitments that shape the relationship between God and humanity. One of the symbolic acts of ratifying a covenant in the ancient Near Eastern culture, including biblical times, was the joining of hands. This gesture signified agreement, trust, and mutual commitment.

Biblical Instances and Symbolism

While the specific phrase "joining hands" is not frequently used in the context of covenant-making in the Bible, the act of joining hands is a powerful symbol of agreement and partnership. In the Scriptures, the joining of hands often represents a pledge or a binding agreement, which can be seen in various contexts.

For example, in Proverbs 11:21 , it is written, "Be assured that the wicked will not go unpunished, but the offspring of the righteous will escape." The phrase "hand joined in hand" in some translations suggests a binding agreement among the wicked, indicating that even such agreements cannot thwart divine justice. This highlights the seriousness and binding nature of agreements symbolized by the joining of hands.

Covenantal Implications

The act of joining hands in a covenantal context underscores the personal and relational aspects of biblical covenants. It is not merely a legal transaction but a personal commitment that involves trust and fidelity. This gesture can be seen as a precursor to the more formalized rituals of covenant-making, such as sacrifices or the exchange of gifts, which are more explicitly detailed in the biblical text.

In the broader biblical narrative, covenants often involve a divine promise and a human response. For instance, the Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 15, 17) and the Mosaic Covenant (Exodus 19-24) involve God initiating a relationship with His people, who are then called to respond in faith and obedience. While the joining of hands is not explicitly mentioned in these covenants, the concept of mutual commitment is central.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient Near East, covenants were common and often involved various rituals to signify the seriousness of the agreement. The joining of hands would have been understood as a gesture of solidarity and agreement, akin to a handshake in modern times. This cultural practice would have been familiar to the original audience of the biblical texts, reinforcing the binding nature of the covenants described in Scripture.

Theological Significance

From a theological perspective, the concept of covenants ratified by joining hands can be seen as a reflection of the relational nature of God's interactions with humanity. It emphasizes the personal commitment required in a covenant relationship with God. This act symbolizes trust and mutual obligation, reminding believers of the faithfulness required in their relationship with God and with one another.

In summary, while the specific act of joining hands is not frequently detailed in the biblical text as a means of ratifying covenants, the symbolism of such a gesture is consistent with the relational and binding nature of biblical covenants. It serves as a reminder of the personal commitment and trust inherent in the covenantal relationship between God and His people.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 11:21
Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished: but the seed of the righteous shall be delivered.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Life of Mr. James Guthrie.
... and others, and especially through his joining the weekly ... such as were disaffected
to the covenants in the ... so for ever hereafter, and are ratified and sealed ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr james 3.htm

The New Covenant.
... religion is essentially the same thing under both covenants. ... power and mercy, was
excluded from joining in thanksgiving ... A NEW COVENANT RATIFIED IN THE DEATH OF ...
/.../chapter viii the new covenant.htm

Nature of Covenanting.
... excluding those that are civil"which is ratified by an ... a covenant of God" was applied
to covenants confirmed by ... of God, corresponds to that of joining to him ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter i nature of covenanting.htm

Footnotes
... the presbytery to preach, and to pray, and to impose, with others, hands upon him ...
of scriptures he knows, concerning the sin and danger of joining with wicked ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/footnotes.htm

An Essay on the Scriptural Doctrine of Immortality.
... enough is said to show that human hands have been ... be affirmed of the ratifying of
covenants by killing ... Joining with these passages that remarkable one in which ...
/.../an essay on the scriptural.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... sat one in brightness, like the morning star, upon which he, thinking it was the
end of the world, fell upon his knees, and, with uplifted hands towards heaven ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm