The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Taking
Jump to: Torrey'sLibrarySubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, the hands are often depicted as instruments of action, agency, and possession. The act of taking, performed by the hands, is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, symbolizing both physical and spiritual actions. The hands, as tools of taking, are involved in various operations that reflect obedience, authority, blessing, and sometimes, transgression.

Taking as an Act of Obedience and Faith

The act of taking is frequently associated with obedience to God's commands. In Genesis 22:10, Abraham "took the knife to slay his son" Isaac, demonstrating his willingness to obey God's command, even at great personal cost. This act of taking is not merely physical but is deeply rooted in faith and submission to God's will.

Taking as an Exercise of Authority

In the Scriptures, taking can also signify the exercise of authority. In 1 Samuel 17:40, David "took his staff in his hand" and chose five smooth stones from the brook to confront Goliath. This act of taking represents David's authority and confidence in God's deliverance, as he prepares to face the giant with divine backing rather than conventional weaponry.

Taking as a Means of Blessing

The hands are also used in taking to convey blessing. In Genesis 48:14, Israel (Jacob) "stretched out his right hand and laid it on the head of Ephraim," taking the opportunity to bless his grandsons. This act of taking is symbolic of the transmission of blessing and favor, as the right hand is traditionally associated with strength and blessing.

Taking as a Symbol of Provision

The act of taking is often linked to God's provision. In Exodus 16:4, the Lord instructs Moses regarding the manna: "The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day." Here, taking is an act of receiving God's daily provision, emphasizing reliance on His sustenance and faithfulness.

Taking as an Act of Transgression

Conversely, taking can also represent disobedience and sin. In Genesis 3:6, Eve "took of its fruit and ate," leading to the fall of humanity. This act of taking, driven by temptation and desire, signifies a breach of God's command and the introduction of sin into the world.

Taking in the Context of Redemption

In the New Testament, taking is seen in the context of redemption. Jesus, during the Last Supper, "took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to them" (Luke 22:19). This act of taking and giving symbolizes the new covenant in His blood, a profound act of spiritual nourishment and redemption for believers.

Taking as a Call to Action

Believers are often called to take action in their spiritual journey. In Ephesians 6:16, Paul exhorts the faithful to "take up the shield of faith," using the metaphor of taking to encourage active participation in spiritual warfare. This act of taking is a call to embrace and wield the resources God provides for spiritual victory.

Throughout the Bible, the operation of taking by the hands is multifaceted, encompassing obedience, authority, blessing, provision, transgression, redemption, and spiritual action. Each instance provides insight into the human condition and God's interaction with His creation, illustrating the profound significance of this simple yet powerful act.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Genesis 3:22
And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 4:4
And the LORD said to Moses, Put forth your hand, and take it by the tail. And he put forth his hand, and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

A New Order of Priests and Levites
... endowment through the regenerating and sanctifying operations of the ... that the holy
places made with hands are figures ... It seems to be mentioned here as a matter ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/a new order of priests.htm

Making Haste to be Rich.
... of prosperity, that soon passed into other hands. ... already obtained in his financiering
operations, he strove ... well as his pleasures, he mentioned the desperate ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arthur/words for the wise/making haste to be rich.htm

The Last Season
... a man distinguish the special from the common operations of the ... I tremble to think
in how few hands it is ... benefits of keeping the heart which I have mentioned. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/xii the last season.htm

Jews.
... The Pharisees and Sadducees are frequently mentioned in the New ... this day is found
in our hands, was delivered ... became the centre of Jewish operations, not only ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/jews.htm

Report of Mr. Geo. Borrow's Late Proceedings in Spain
... of almost unbounded power, in whose hands were placed ... moment peculiarly well adapted
for commencing operations in Spain ... known by name, and when mentioned to the ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/report of mr geo borrows.htm

Matt. viii. 23, 24
... And besides what hath been mentioned, there is another ... of men are especially liable
to the operations of the ... snatching up a sword, laying violent hands on all ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xxviii matt viii 23.htm

Herod and Peter.
... despair, may be referred to the secret operations of their ... Hence, when by some cause
not mentioned, they had ... and stones, the works of their own hands, or in ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xiv herod and peter.htm

The Personality of the Holy Ghost
... deal with the Holy Ghost, his operations are so ... There are the three persons mentioned,
all of ... standing before the throne, with outstretched hands, crying day ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the personality of the holy.htm

Difficulties and Objections
... Lord says, "I have spread out My hands all the ... New Testament where God's love is
mentioned limits it ... is irresistible, that, by His gracious operations upon and ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter eleven difficulties and objections.htm

Preached Before the Governor, and Council, and the House of ...
... less real, because invisible aids and operations of the ... the foundation of this house;
his hands also shall ... and profane history, I have mentioned these things ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/preached before the governor and.htm

Resources
Should we raise our hands/clap our hands during worship? | GotQuestions.org

Laying 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 ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Hands

Hands and Feet

The Hands of Power

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: God Makes Impotent

The Hands: God Strengthens

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 Jews Eat With

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

Lord'the (1 Occurrence)

Is'the (1 Occurrence)

The (669438 Occurrences)

Oak-the (1 Occurrence)

Saying'the (1 Occurrence)

Jok'the-el (1 Occurrence)

The-oph'ilus (2 Occurrences)

The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence)

Ko'hathites (19 Occurrences)

Kohathite (18 Occurrences)

Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences)

Zin (9 Occurrences)

Zarephath (4 Occurrences)

Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences)

Vintage (14 Occurrences)

Kore (4 Occurrences)

Knives (12 Occurrences)

Zidonians (11 Occurrences)

Kareah (14 Occurrences)

Vegetation (18 Occurrences)

Kanah (3 Occurrences)

Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences)

Vicinity (18 Occurrences)

Zeboim (7 Occurrences)

Kadeshbarnea (9 Occurrences)

Kare'ah (14 Occurrences)

Volition

Kol

Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences)

Vashti (10 Occurrences)

Zabdi (17 Occurrences)

Knitted (9 Occurrences)

Kids (12 Occurrences)

Killeth (23 Occurrences)

Vial (12 Occurrences)

Zelophehad (9 Occurrences)

Home-born (14 Occurrences)

Kingship (17 Occurrences)

Kadesh-barnea (9 Occurrences)

Zealot (4 Occurrences)

Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences)

Kibrothhattaavah (5 Occurrences)

Victorious (17 Occurrences)

Zacchaeus (3 Occurrences)

Zenas (1 Occurrence)

Kneel (10 Occurrences)

Zachariah (6 Occurrences)

Kebar (8 Occurrences)

Kerethites (9 Occurrences)

Zeeb (3 Occurrences)

Zoheleth (1 Occurrence)

Zarethan (4 Occurrences)

Kinnereth (7 Occurrences)

Knowledge

Knelt (20 Occurrences)

Visible (12 Occurrences)

Zeus (3 Occurrences)

Ziph (9 Occurrences)

Zebadiah (9 Occurrences)

Zorah (10 Occurrences)

Kenite (9 Occurrences)

Kick (8 Occurrences)

Kedar (11 Occurrences)

Zichri (12 Occurrences)

Ko'rahites (6 Occurrences)

Zeru'iah (24 Occurrences)

Kei'lah (16 Occurrences)

24000 (10 Occurrences)

Vapor (6 Occurrences)

Vanished (13 Occurrences)

Verdict (7 Occurrences)

Violated (23 Occurrences)

Knop (4 Occurrences)

Visiting (10 Occurrences)

Zaphon (4 Occurrences)

Zephani'ah (10 Occurrences)

Zaccur (10 Occurrences)

Koz (5 Occurrences)

Kadmiel (8 Occurrences)

The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Striking
Top of Page
Top of Page