Topical Encyclopedia The imposition of hands is a significant biblical practice symbolizing the transfer of authority, blessing, or responsibility. While often associated with religious rites, such as ordination or healing, the laying on of hands also appears in contexts related to the conferring of civil power and leadership within the biblical narrative.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the laying on of hands is primarily seen in religious and sacrificial contexts. However, it also plays a role in the transfer of leadership and authority. A notable example is the commissioning of Joshua by Moses. In Numbers 27:18-20 , God instructs Moses: "Take Joshua son of Nun, a man who has the Spirit in him, and lay your hands on him. Have him stand before Eleazar the priest and the whole congregation, and commission him in their sight. Confer on him some of your authority, so that the whole congregation of the Israelites will obey him." Here, the laying on of hands serves as a public and divine endorsement of Joshua's new role as leader of Israel, ensuring continuity of leadership after Moses. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the imposition of hands is more frequently associated with spiritual gifts and church leadership. However, the principle of laying on hands to confer authority can be seen in the broader context of appointing leaders. While not explicitly described as a civil power transfer, the appointment of deacons in Acts 6:6 involves the apostles laying hands on the chosen men, signifying their endorsement and the conferral of responsibility: "They presented these seven to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them." Symbolism and Significance The act of laying on hands in the context of conferring civil power is rich with symbolism. It represents the visible and tangible transfer of authority from one leader to another, often accompanied by prayer and divine blessing. This practice underscores the belief that all authority ultimately derives from God, and those who govern do so under His sovereign will. The imposition of hands serves as a reminder of the spiritual dimension of leadership, even in civil matters, and the need for leaders to be guided by divine wisdom and strength. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, the imposition of hands in conferring civil power highlights the integration of faith and governance. It reflects the biblical worldview that leadership is a divine calling, requiring both spiritual and practical wisdom. The practice emphasizes accountability to God and the community, as leaders are publicly recognized and entrusted with their roles through this sacred act. In summary, while the imposition of hands is more commonly associated with religious functions, its use in conferring civil power in the Bible illustrates the seamless connection between spiritual authority and civil leadership. This practice serves as a powerful symbol of the divine origin and responsibility of leadership, reminding both leaders and followers of their ultimate accountability to God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Numbers 27:18And the LORD said to Moses, Take you Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay your hand on him; Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 34:9 Library The Planting of the Church in New England --Pilgrim and Puritan. [Endnotes] Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ... The Reaction against Egypt 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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