Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the human hand is often used symbolically to represent power, action, and possession. Among the various parts of the hand, the palm holds particular significance in the Scriptures, serving as a metaphor for divine care, human action, and spiritual truths.Symbolism and Usage 1. Divine Care and Protection: The palm is frequently associated with God's protective and nurturing nature. In Isaiah 49:16 , the Lord reassures His people of His constant remembrance and care, saying, "Behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; your walls are ever before Me." This imagery conveys the idea of God's intimate and unending commitment to His people, as if they are permanently etched into His very being. 2. Human Action and Offering: The palm is also a symbol of human action and the offering of gifts or sacrifices. In Leviticus 14:15 , during the ritual for cleansing a leper, the priest is instructed to "take some of the log of oil, pour it into his left palm," signifying the preparation and presentation of an offering to God. This act underscores the importance of purity and dedication in worship. 3. Judgment and Justice: The palm can represent the execution of judgment or justice. In the context of divine retribution, the palm is sometimes depicted as the instrument through which God's righteous judgment is delivered. For instance, in Ezekiel 21:16 , the sword of the Lord is described as being "polished to flash like lightning," ready to be wielded by His hand, symbolizing the swift and decisive nature of divine justice. 4. Blessing and Favor: The laying on of hands, often involving the palm, is a significant biblical act symbolizing the transmission of blessing, authority, or healing. In Genesis 48:14 , Jacob crosses his hands to place his right hand on Ephraim's head, bestowing a greater blessing upon the younger grandson. This act highlights the palm's role in conveying divine favor and the fulfillment of God's promises. 5. Prayer and Supplication: The open palm is a gesture of prayer and supplication, reflecting humility and dependence on God. In 1 Kings 8:22 , Solomon stands before the altar of the Lord, spreading out his hands toward heaven in a posture of earnest prayer. This physical expression of open palms signifies a heart open to receive from God and a life surrendered to His will. Cultural and Historical Context In the ancient Near Eastern context, the palm of the hand was often associated with power and authority. Kings and leaders would use their hands to bestow blessings, convey decrees, or execute judgment. This cultural understanding is reflected in the biblical text, where the palm serves as a powerful symbol of both divine and human agency. The palm's significance is further emphasized in the context of covenant relationships. The act of inscribing or marking the palm, as mentioned in Isaiah, can be seen as a form of covenantal commitment, underscoring the enduring bond between God and His people. Conclusion Throughout the Bible, the palm of the hand is a multifaceted symbol, rich with meaning and spiritual significance. Whether representing divine care, human action, or the execution of justice, the palm serves as a powerful reminder of the intricate relationship between God and humanity, and the profound truths embedded in the biblical narrative. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 49:16Behold, I have graven you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 26:67 Library Subterraneous Places. Mines. Caves. The Last visit. The Morning-Meal in the Pharisee's House - Meals and Feasts among ... Of the Harmony Characterizing the Accounts which These Evangelists ... In the Last, the Great Day of the Feast' The Savanna of Aripo "Pan, Pan is Dead" How Ptolemy Philadelphus Procured the Laws of the Jews to be ... The Golden Eagle is Cut to Pieces. Herod's Barbarity when He was ... On the Clause, and in one Lord Jesus Christ, with a Reading from ... Resources When Jesus was nailed to the cross, did the nails go through His hands or His wrists? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” sermon? | GotQuestions.org Is “idle hands are the devil's workshop” a biblical statement? | 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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