Topical Encyclopedia In the context of biblical worship and idolatry, the act of kissing the hands holds significant meaning. This gesture, often associated with reverence and submission, is mentioned in the Scriptures as a practice linked to idolatrous worship, contrasting the worship due to the one true God.The act of kissing the hand is referenced in the book of Job, where Job defends his integrity and righteousness. He states, "if I have regarded the sun in its radiance or the moon moving in splendor, so that my heart was secretly enticed and my hand offered them a kiss of homage, then these also would be sins to be judged, for I would have been unfaithful to God on high" (Job 31:26-28). Here, Job acknowledges that such an act would constitute a betrayal of his faithfulness to God, equating it with idolatry. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, kissing the hand was a common gesture of homage and allegiance, often directed towards idols or celestial bodies. This practice symbolized a transfer of loyalty and worship from the Creator to created entities, which the Bible consistently condemns. The prophets frequently warned against such idolatrous practices, urging the Israelites to remain faithful to Yahweh. The biblical narrative underscores the importance of worshiping God alone, as seen in the first two commandments given to Moses: "You shall have no other gods before Me" and "You shall not make for yourself an idol" (Exodus 20:3-4). The act of kissing the hand in idolatrous worship directly violates these commandments, as it represents a physical manifestation of spiritual infidelity. Throughout the Scriptures, the prophets and leaders of Israel called the people to repentance and a return to exclusive worship of Yahweh. Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18) serves as a dramatic illustration of the conflict between true worship and idolatry. The prophet Hosea also speaks against the idolatrous practices of Israel, emphasizing God's desire for steadfast love and knowledge of Him rather than ritualistic offerings (Hosea 6:6). In the New Testament, the call to worship God alone is reiterated. Jesus, when tempted by Satan, responds by quoting Deuteronomy: "Worship the Lord your God, and serve Him only" (Matthew 4:10). This reinforces the biblical theme that worship, in all its forms, including gestures like kissing the hand, should be directed solely towards God. The act of kissing the hand in idolatrous worship serves as a poignant reminder of the human tendency to misplace devotion and the constant biblical call to fidelity in worship. The Scriptures consistently advocate for a heart wholly devoted to God, rejecting any form of idolatry that diverts allegiance from Him. Torrey's Topical Textbook Job 31:27And my heart has been secretly enticed, or my mouth has kissed my hand: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library "What Doest Thou Here?" Chapter xxxiii Manifold Struggles The Flight into Egypt and St. John the Baptist in the Desert The Genuine Acts of Peter. The Spirit and Power of Elias. On Idolatry Select Works and Letters or Athanasius November was Now Drawing to a Close, and St. ... Beginning at Jerusalem. --Luke xxiv. 47. Resources Should we raise our hands/clap our hands during worship? | GotQuestions.orgLaying on of hands - what does the Bible say? | GotQuestions.org Why did Jesus say, “Into your hands I commit my spirit,” on the cross? | 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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