Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the imagery of open hands is frequently associated with the concept of liberality, generosity, and the willingness to give. This symbolism is deeply rooted in the cultural and spiritual ethos of the biblical narrative, where the act of giving is seen as a reflection of God's own generosity towards humanity.Biblical Foundation The concept of open-handedness is prominently featured in the Old Testament, particularly in the context of the Mosaic Law. Deuteronomy 15:7-8 instructs the Israelites: "If there is a poor man among your brothers within any of the gates in the land that the LORD your God is giving you, you are not to harden your heart or shut your hand from your poor brother. Instead, you are to open your hand to him and freely loan him whatever he needs." This passage underscores the expectation of generosity towards those in need, emphasizing that an open hand is a tangible expression of compassion and obedience to God's commandments. The Proverbs also highlight the virtue of generosity. Proverbs 11:24-25 states, "One gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds what is right, only to become poor. A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." Here, the open hand is not only a moral obligation but also a pathway to personal blessing and prosperity, suggesting a divine reciprocity in acts of liberality. New Testament Perspective In the New Testament, the theme of open-handed liberality is further developed through the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus' Sermon on the Mount includes the exhortation to give to those who ask (Matthew 5:42): "Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you." This teaching reinforces the idea that generosity is a hallmark of the Kingdom of God and a reflection of the believer's trust in God's provision. The Apostle Paul also addresses the importance of generosity in his letters. In 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 , he writes, "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." Paul's words highlight the voluntary and joyful nature of giving, suggesting that open-handedness is not merely a duty but a joyful expression of faith and love. Theological Implications Theologically, the open hand symbolizes a heart aligned with God's character. It reflects the believer's understanding of stewardship, recognizing that all resources ultimately belong to God and are entrusted to individuals for the purpose of blessing others. This perspective encourages a lifestyle of generosity, where believers are called to mirror God's own liberality as seen in the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ. Moreover, open-handed liberality is seen as a means of building community and fostering unity within the body of Christ. Acts 2:44-45 describes the early church: "All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need." This communal sharing is a powerful testament to the transformative impact of the Gospel, where open hands lead to open hearts and a strengthened community. Conclusion In summary, the biblical concept of open-handed liberality is a profound expression of faith, love, and obedience. It calls believers to reflect God's generosity in their own lives, fostering a spirit of giving that transcends mere obligation and becomes a joyful act of worship. Through open hands, believers participate in the divine economy of grace, where giving and receiving are intertwined in the life of faith. Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 15:8But you shall open your hand wide to him, and shall surely lend him sufficient for his need, in that which he wants. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 104:28 Library Methodical Liberality Christ Teaching Liberality Acts V The Emperor and Empress The True Spirit of Missions. The Intercession of Christ An Exhortation to Mourning and Confession of Sins for Christ is ... The Study of the Bible Recommended; and a Method of Studying it ... The Blessedness of Giving The Broken Fence Resources Did Jesus mean we should literally pluck out our eyes and cut off our hands in Matthew 5:29-30 and 18:8-9? | GotQuestions.orgThe Hands and Feet of Jesus ' and the Mouth! | GotQuestions.org How could the laws of God be written on doorframes, gates, and foreheads? | 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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