Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the fingers are often highlighted as significant parts of the human hand, symbolizing both physical and spiritual actions. The fingers are mentioned in various passages, illustrating their importance in the execution of tasks, the expression of divine power, and the manifestation of human creativity and skill.Symbolism and Functionality The fingers are frequently associated with skill and craftsmanship. In Exodus 31:18, the Bible describes the tablets of the covenant law as "inscribed by the finger of God," emphasizing divine authorship and authority. This phrase underscores the belief that God's direct involvement in the creation of the law is akin to a craftsman meticulously shaping his work. In Psalm 8:3, the psalmist reflects on the majesty of God's creation, stating, "When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place." Here, the fingers symbolize God's intricate and deliberate design in the universe, highlighting His omnipotence and attention to detail. Divine Power and Judgment The fingers also represent divine power and judgment. In the book of Daniel, during Belshazzar's feast, a mysterious hand appears and writes on the wall, "MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PARSIN" (Daniel 5:25). This event, often referred to as "the writing on the wall," is a direct intervention by God, using the imagery of fingers to convey a message of impending judgment and the sovereignty of God over human affairs. Human Actions and Expressions In the New Testament, Jesus uses the imagery of fingers to illustrate spiritual truths. In Luke 11:20, Jesus says, "But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you." This statement highlights the power of God working through Jesus to bring about the kingdom, using the metaphor of fingers to denote divine authority and action. The fingers are also mentioned in the context of human actions and expressions. In Proverbs 6:13, a warning is given against a "worthless person" who "winks with his eyes, signals with his feet, and points with his fingers." This passage uses the fingers as part of a broader description of deceitful behavior, illustrating how physical gestures can reflect inner moral corruption. Cultural and Ritual Significance In ancient Israelite culture, the fingers played a role in various rituals and practices. The priests, for example, used their fingers in the application of blood during sacrificial ceremonies, as seen in Leviticus 4:6, where the priest is instructed to "dip his finger in the blood and sprinkle some of it seven times before the LORD in front of the veil of the sanctuary." This act symbolizes purification and atonement, with the fingers serving as instruments of sacred duty. Overall, the biblical references to fingers encompass a wide range of meanings, from divine creation and judgment to human skill and moral conduct. The fingers, as part of the hand, are integral to the biblical narrative, serving as symbols of both God's interaction with the world and humanity's response to the divine. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Samuel 21:20And there was yet a battle in Gath, where was a man of great stature, that had on every hand six fingers, and on every foot six toes, four and twenty in number; and he also was born to the giant. Torrey's Topical Textbook Daniel 5:5 Library Having Mentioned the Baptist, St. ... Weak Hands and Feeble Knees Of the Excellence of the Perfect Man who is Figuratively Spoken of ... Thanksgiving to God for Deliverance from the Evils Expected Owing ... Of the Mind and Its Seat. Acts 17:26 "One Blood. " The Morning-Meal in the Pharisee's House - Meals and Feasts among ... Folly of the Arguments Derived by the Heretics from Numbers ... High Priest The Fifth Day in Passion-Week - Make Ready the Passover!' 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) |