Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the use of hands, particularly the right hand, often symbolizes power, authority, and blessing. However, there are notable instances where individuals had greater command of their left hand, which is significant given the cultural context that typically favored the right hand.Left-Handedness in the Bible One of the most prominent examples of left-handedness in the Bible is found in the tribe of Benjamin. Judges 3:15 introduces Ehud, a left-handed man whom God raised as a deliverer for Israel. "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. The Israelites sent him with tribute to Eglon king of Moab." (Judges 3:15). Ehud's left-handedness was instrumental in his mission to assassinate King Eglon of Moab, as it allowed him to conceal his weapon and catch the king off guard. The tribe of Benjamin is further noted for its left-handed warriors. In Judges 20:16, it is recorded, "Among all these soldiers there were seven hundred select troops who were left-handed, each of whom could sling a stone at a hair and not miss." (Judges 20:16). This skill in using the left hand for battle was a unique characteristic that set these warriors apart and contributed to their effectiveness in combat. Symbolism and Cultural Context In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the right hand was typically associated with strength and favor. The right hand was used for oaths, blessings, and acts of power. For instance, the right hand of God is often depicted as a symbol of divine strength and salvation (Exodus 15:6, Psalm 118:16). The mention of left-handed individuals in the Bible, therefore, carries a certain countercultural significance. It highlights God's ability to use what might be considered unconventional or unexpected to achieve His purposes. The left-handed warriors of Benjamin and the deliverer Ehud demonstrate that God's power is not limited by human norms or expectations. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, the emphasis on left-handed individuals in the Bible underscores the theme of divine sovereignty and the reversal of human expectations. God often chooses the unlikely or the marginalized to accomplish His will, as seen in the selection of David, the youngest son of Jesse, to be king over Israel (1 Samuel 16:11-13). Moreover, the use of left-handed individuals serves as a reminder of the diversity within God's creation and His ability to use all people, regardless of their physical attributes, for His glory. It challenges believers to recognize and value the unique gifts and abilities that each person brings to the body of Christ. Conclusion The biblical accounts of left-handed individuals, particularly within the tribe of Benjamin, provide a rich tapestry of meaning and significance. They illustrate God's unconventional methods and His sovereign choice to use those whom society might overlook. These narratives invite believers to trust in God's wisdom and to embrace the diversity of gifts within the community of faith. Torrey's Topical Textbook Judges 3:15,21But when the children of Israel cried to the LORD, the LORD raised them up a deliverer, Ehud the son of Gera, a Benjamite, a man left handed: and by him the children of Israel sent a present to Eglon the king of Moab. Torrey's Topical Textbook Judges 20:16 Library Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Words of Jesus on the Cross. "Give Ye them to Eat" The Lad's Loaves in the Lord's Hands The Call of Abraham On Worldly Folly A Rebuke against Extortion The Return from the Sepulchre. Concerning John of Gichala. Josephus Uses Stratagems against the ... The Story of Benjamin. On Attending the Church Service 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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