In biblical literature, the "right hand" is frequently associated with a position of honor, authority, and power. This concept is deeply rooted in the cultural and historical context of the ancient Near East, where the right hand symbolized strength and favor. In the context of kingship, sitting at the right hand of a king was a place of distinction and privilege, often reserved for the most trusted and esteemed individuals.

Biblical References and Symbolism

The right hand as a symbol of power and authority is evident throughout the Scriptures. In the Psalms, the right hand of God is depicted as a source of salvation and strength: "Your right hand, O LORD, is majestic in power; Your right hand, O LORD, shatters the enemy" (Exodus 15:6). This imagery underscores the divine power and protection associated with God's right hand.

In the context of human kingship, the right hand signifies a place of honor and authority. For instance, in 1 Kings 2:19, Bathsheba, the mother of Solomon, is seated at the right hand of her son, the king, indicating her esteemed position: "So Bathsheba went to King Solomon to speak to him for Adonijah. The king stood up to greet her, bowed to her, and sat down on his throne. Then he had a throne brought for the king’s mother, and she sat at his right hand" .

Messianic Fulfillment

The New Testament further develops the theme of the right hand as a place of honor, particularly in relation to the Messiah. Jesus Christ is frequently depicted as seated at the right hand of God, signifying His exalted status and divine authority. This is seen in passages such as Mark 16:19: "After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, He was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God" .

The Apostle Paul also emphasizes this position of honor in his epistles, highlighting the supremacy of Christ: "He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 1:20). This seating at the right hand of God signifies the completion of Christ's redemptive work and His ongoing reign as King of Kings.

Cultural and Theological Implications

In ancient royal courts, the right hand was not only a place of honor but also a position of trust and influence. Those who sat at the right hand of the king were often advisors or individuals who played a crucial role in governance and decision-making. This cultural understanding enriches the biblical portrayal of the right hand as a place of honor.

Theologically, the right hand of the king, and by extension, the right hand of God, represents the ultimate authority and sovereignty. It is a position that denotes both privilege and responsibility, reflecting the divine order and the fulfillment of God's purposes through His chosen representatives.

In summary, the concept of the right hand as the place of honor in the context of kingship is a profound biblical theme that underscores authority, favor, and divine appointment. It is a motif that finds its ultimate expression in the exaltation of Jesus Christ, who reigns supreme at the right hand of God.1 Kings 2:19
Bathsheba therefore went to king Solomon, to speak to him for Adonijah. And the king rose up to meet her, and bowed himself to her, and sat down on his throne, and caused a seat to be set for the king's mother; and she sat on his right hand.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 45:9
Kings' daughters were among your honorable women: on your right hand did stand the queen in gold of Ophir.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 110:1
The LORD said to my Lord, Sit you at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Glory and Honor that Jesus Has Won
... be restored to life and the ruler of the kings of the ... here, and I will show you what
must take place in the ... came and took the book out of the right hand of him ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/the glory and honor that.htm

Solomon
... Conversions took place, and the church of God on earth was ... and of creeping things,
and of fishes." 1 Kings 4:32 ... Length of days is in her right hand; and in her ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 1 solomon.htm

How Artabanus, the King of Parthia Out of Fear of the Secret ...
... will become the more insolent towards other kings also." And ... and he gave him the
upper place at festivals ... Artabanus again; and gave them his right hand and his ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 3 how artabanus the.htm

Whether the Mother of God Should be Worshipped with the Adoration ...
... the king: whence it is written (3 Kings 2:19 ... king's mother, and she sat on His right
hand." Moreover, Augustine ... an anonymous author] says: "It is right that the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the mother of god.htm

Christ Exalted
... In the next place, Christ has real dignity. ... with having a throne to himself; on his
right hand there must be ... with Christ, for he has "made us kings and priests ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/christ exalted.htm

The Name Jesus and Also the Name Christ were Known from the ...
... of old symbolically anointed, whether priests, or kings, or prophets ... it represents
him in the third place as having ... my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand until I ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter iii the name jesus and.htm

The Journey of the Three Holy Kings to Bethlehem
... and taught; for example, Bethabara, [132] the place of the ... He inquired of the kings
as to what they had seen ... with a Child before her: on the right-hand side of ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xiii the journey of the.htm

The Scope of the Apocalypse is Indicated by Its Place in the ...
... See also 2 Kings 2:4 and 10:14 ... free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand,
or in ... of allegiance to the Emperor stamped either upon the hand or forehead ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/the scope of the apocalypse.htm

Papal Tombs.
... and other chroniclers mention two other kings, Offa of ... or twelfth century, in which
the place of honor ... on the pontifical throne, with the right hand raised in ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter v papal tombs.htm

A Jealous God
... we acknowledge him to be King of kings, and Lord of ... are all brought safely to my
right hand." Hide yourselves ... we smite with stern and unrelenting hand every sin ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/a jealous god.htm

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