Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the left hand is often mentioned in contrast to the right hand, which is traditionally associated with strength, honor, and authority. The left hand, while less frequently highlighted, carries its own set of symbolic meanings and practical implications within the scriptural context.Symbolism and Cultural Context In ancient Near Eastern cultures, including those of the Bible, the right hand was typically seen as the hand of power and blessing. Consequently, the left hand often symbolized the opposite—weakness or lesser status. This cultural backdrop is essential for understanding the biblical references to the left hand. Biblical References 1. Judges 3:15 · "Again the Israelites cried out to the LORD, and He raised up for them a deliverer, Ehud son of Gera, the Benjamite, a left-handed man." In this passage, Ehud's left-handedness is highlighted as a unique trait that God uses for deliverance. His ability to wield a weapon with his left hand allows him to surprise and defeat the Moabite king, Eglon. This account demonstrates that God can use what might be perceived as a disadvantage for His purposes. 2. Matthew 6:3 · "But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing." Here, Jesus uses the metaphor of the left hand to teach about the nature of giving. The left hand represents discretion and humility in charitable acts, emphasizing that such deeds should be done in secret, without seeking recognition. 3. Ecclesiastes 10:2 · "The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left." This verse uses the left hand metaphorically to represent foolishness or poor judgment, contrasting it with the right hand, which symbolizes wisdom and righteousness. Practical Implications In practical terms, the left hand in biblical times was often associated with tasks considered less honorable or secondary. This is reflected in the cultural practices of the time, where the right hand was preferred for most activities, including eating and greeting. Theological Insights The biblical references to the left hand, while fewer, offer insights into God's sovereignty and the reversal of human expectations. The account of Ehud, for instance, illustrates that God can use what is culturally seen as weak or unconventional to achieve His divine purposes. This theme is consistent with the broader biblical narrative, where God often chooses the unlikely or marginalized to fulfill His plans. Conclusion The left hand in the Bible, though less prominent than the right, carries significant symbolic weight. It serves as a reminder of God's ability to use all aspects of human experience, even those deemed lesser by societal standards, to accomplish His will. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 14:15And he divided himself against them, he and his servants, by night, and smote them, and pursued them to Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 21:3 Library God who Appeared to Moses is Distinguished from God the Father. Men and Mannerisms In the Creation of the World, and all Things in It, the True God ... List of Abbreviations Used in Reference to Rabbinic Writings ... After an Interval of Some Years from the Death of Nero... Johann Heermann Preface The Famine which Oppressed Them. On Bk. vi. Chap. 23, 4 (Note 6). Origen's visit to Achaia. The Destruction that came Upon the Philistines, and Upon 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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