Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the hands were not only seen as instruments of work and creativity but also as symbols of power and agency. The mutilation of hands, particularly in the context of criminal punishment, is a theme that appears in various biblical narratives and laws, reflecting the cultural and legal practices of ancient societies.Biblical Context and References The practice of mutilating the hands of criminals can be understood within the broader context of biblical justice and retribution. The Law of Moses, given to the Israelites, emphasized the principle of "measure for measure" justice, often summarized by the phrase "an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth" (Exodus 21:24). This principle was intended to ensure that punishment was proportionate to the offense. While the specific act of hand mutilation is not explicitly prescribed in the Mosaic Law, the concept of bodily punishment as a form of retribution is present. For instance, in Deuteronomy 25:11-12, a law is given concerning a woman who intervenes in a fight between two men by seizing one of them by the private parts. The text states, "you shall cut off her hand. You must show her no pity" . This severe punishment underscores the seriousness with which certain offenses were regarded and the use of physical mutilation as a deterrent. Historical and Cultural Practices In the ancient Near East, the mutilation of hands was a known practice for punishing criminals, particularly thieves. This form of punishment served both as a direct consequence for the crime and as a public deterrent. The loss of a hand would significantly impact a person's ability to work and provide for themselves, thus serving as a powerful reminder of the cost of criminal behavior. The Bible also records instances where the hands of enemies were cut off as a demonstration of victory and subjugation. In 1 Samuel 5:4, when the Philistines captured the Ark of the Covenant and placed it in the temple of Dagon, the statue of Dagon was found the next morning with its head and hands cut off, lying on the threshold. This act symbolized the defeat and impotence of the Philistine god before the God of Israel. Symbolic and Theological Implications Theologically, the hands are often seen as symbols of human action and responsibility. In the New Testament, Jesus emphasizes the importance of righteous actions, warning against causing others to sin. In Matthew 18:8, He states, "If your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to enter life crippled or lame than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into eternal fire" . While this teaching is metaphorical, it highlights the seriousness with which sin and its consequences are to be regarded. The mutilation of hands, therefore, can be seen as a physical manifestation of the spiritual truth that actions have consequences. In a biblical worldview, the hands are not only tools for labor but also instruments of moral and ethical choice. The punishment of hand mutilation serves as a stark reminder of the need for justice and the importance of using one's hands for righteous purposes. Torrey's Topical Textbook Judges 1:6,7But Adonibezek fled; and they pursued after him, and caught him, and cut off his thumbs and his great toes. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The First Apology of Justin, the Martyr Of Civil Government. Conclusion --Repent Ye, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand. Christian Churches. the Legendary History of Egypt The Reaction against Egypt Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest 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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