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 3:22And 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 Library A New Order of Priests and Levites Making Haste to be Rich. The Last Season Jews. Report of Mr. Geo. Borrow's Late Proceedings in Spain Matt. viii. 23, 24 Herod and Peter. The Personality of the Holy Ghost Difficulties and Objections Preached Before the Governor, and Council, and the House of ... 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) |