Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the imagery of hands lifted up against another often symbolizes rebellion, defiance, and the rejection of divine authority. This motif is woven throughout Scripture, illustrating the consequences of human insubordination against God's ordained order.Old Testament Context The concept of rebellion is first vividly depicted in the story of Cain and Abel. In Genesis 4:8, Cain lifts his hand against his brother Abel, committing the first murder. This act of violence is not merely fratricide but a rebellion against God's favor and righteous judgment. Cain's defiance results in a curse, highlighting the severe repercussions of lifting one's hand against another in rebellion. Another significant instance is found in the narrative of Korah's rebellion. In Numbers 16, Korah, along with Dathan and Abiram, leads a revolt against Moses and Aaron, challenging their God-given authority. The earth's subsequent swallowing of the rebels serves as a stark warning against the sin of rebellion. As Numbers 16:30 states, "But if the LORD brings about something unprecedented, and the earth opens its mouth and swallows them and all that belongs to them, and they go down alive into Sheol, then you will know that these men have despised the LORD." New Testament Insights In the New Testament, the theme of rebellion is addressed in the context of spiritual warfare and the rejection of Christ. The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, warns against the rebellious nature of humanity and the spiritual forces that oppose God's kingdom. In Ephesians 6:12, Paul writes, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world's darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." The ultimate act of rebellion in the New Testament is the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The religious leaders and Roman authorities, in lifting their hands against the Son of God, epitomize the rebellion of humanity against divine authority. Yet, in this act of defiance, God's redemptive plan unfolds, offering salvation to all who believe. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, the lifting of hands in rebellion is a manifestation of the sin nature inherent in humanity. It reflects a heart that resists submission to God's will and seeks autonomy apart from Him. The Bible consistently portrays rebellion as a grave sin with dire consequences, urging believers to submit to God's authority and live in obedience to His commandments. Practical Application For contemporary believers, the biblical warnings against rebellion serve as a call to examine one's heart and actions. Christians are encouraged to live in humility, recognizing God's sovereignty and the authority He has established. In relationships, communities, and the broader society, believers are to be peacemakers, seeking reconciliation and unity rather than division and strife. In conclusion, the imagery of hands lifted up against another in rebellion is a powerful biblical motif that underscores the seriousness of defying God's authority. It serves as a reminder of the need for repentance, submission, and the pursuit of righteousness in the life of every believer. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Samuel 20:21The matter is not so: but a man of mount Ephraim, Sheba the son of Bichri by name, has lifted up his hand against the king, even against David: deliver him only, and I will depart from the city. And the woman said to Joab, Behold, his head shall be thrown to you over the wall. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Unseen Watcher The Wail of a Broken Heart The Carnal Mind Enmity against God Against "The Roaring Lions" The Bible and the French Revolution. The Bible and the French Revolution The Secret of victory The Gateway into the Kingdom. The Return of Christ to the Earth Itself. "It is Finished" Resources When Jesus was nailed to the cross, did the nails go through His hands or His wrists? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” sermon? | GotQuestions.org Is “idle hands are the devil's workshop” a biblical statement? | GotQuestions.org Hands: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics The Hands of the Wicked, Described as Bloody The Hands of the Wicked, Described as Ensnaring to Themselves The Hands of the Wicked, Described as Mischievous The Hands of the Wicked, Described as Slothful The Hands of the Wicked, Described as Violent The Hands were Lifted up in Blessing The Hands were Lifted up in Praise The Hands were Lifted up in Prayer The Hands were Lifted up in Taking an Oath The Hands were Washed in Token of Innocency The Hands were Washed: After Touching an Unclean Person The Hands were Washed: Before Eating The Hands: (Cutting off) of Extreme Self-Denial The Hands: (Lifted up Against Another) of Rebellion The Hands: (Opened) Liberality The Hands: (Shut) Illiberality The Hands: Clapped Together in Joy The Hands: Criminals often: Bound By The Hands: Criminals often: Deprived of The Hands: Criminals often: Hung By The Hands: Criminals often: Mutilated In The Hands: Custom of Domestics Pouring Water Upon, Alluded To The Hands: Distinguished as The Left The Hands: Distinguished as The Right The Hands: Imposition of, a First Principle of the Doctrine of Christ The Hands: Imposition of, Used in Blessing The Hands: Imposition of, Used in Conferring Civil Power The Hands: Imposition of, Used in Imparting the Gifts of the Holy Spirit The Hands: Imposition of, Used in Ordaining Ministers The Hands: Imposition of, Used in Setting Apart the Levites The Hands: Imposition of, Used in Transferring Guilt of Sacrifices The Hands: Kissed in Idolatrous Worship The Hands: Many Alike Expert With Both The Hands: Many had More Command of the Left The Hands: Necessary Members of the Body The Hands: Often Spread out in Prayer The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Feeling The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Holding The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Making Signs The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Striking The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Taking The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Working The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Writing The Hands: Parts of, Mentioned: The Fingers The Hands: Parts of, Mentioned: The Palm The Hands: Parts of, Mentioned: The Thumb The Hands: Placed Under the Thigh of a Person to Whom an Oath Was Made The Hands: Right Hand of Strength and Power The Hands: Right Hand: (Full of Bribes) of Corruption The Hands: Right Hand: (Full of Falsehood) of Deceitfulness The Hands: Right Hand: (Holding By) of Support The Hands: Right Hand: (Standing At) Protection The Hands: Right Hand: (Withdrawn) Support Withheld The Hands: Saints Blessed in the Work of The Hands: Servants Directed by Movements of The Hands: should be Employed in Acts of Benevolence The Hands: should be Employed in God's Service The Hands: should be Employed: Industriously The Hands: Smitten Together in Extreme Anger The Hands: Stretched out in Derision The Hands: Suretiship Entered Into by Striking The Hands: The Jews Carried a Staff In, when Walking The Hands: The Right Hand of Healed Leper Touched With Blood of his Sacrifice The Hands: The Right Hand of Healed Leper Touched With Oil The Hands: The Right Hand of Priests Touched With Blood of Consecration-Ram The Hands: The Right Hand used in Embracing The Hands: The Right Hand: Given in Token of Friendship The Hands: The Right Hand: Place of Honor The Hands: The Right Hand: Place of Power The Hands: The Right Hand: Signet Worn On The Hands: The Right Hand: Sworn By The Hands: The Right Hand: The Accuser Stood At, of the Accused The Hands: The Wicked Recompensed for the Work of The Hands: Treaties Made by Joining Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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