Topical Encyclopedia The thumb, as a distinct part of the hand, holds significant importance in biblical texts, both in its literal and symbolic uses. The thumb is often associated with strength, skill, and the ability to grasp and hold, reflecting its essential role in human dexterity and function.Biblical References and Symbolism In the Bible, the thumb is specifically mentioned in the context of ritual and consecration. One of the most notable references is found in the book of Leviticus, where the thumb is involved in the consecration of priests. Leviticus 8:23-24 describes the ordination of Aaron and his sons: "Moses slaughtered the ram and took some of its blood and put it on the lobe of Aaron’s right ear, on the thumb of his right hand, and on the big toe of his right foot. Moses also brought Aaron’s sons forward and put some of the blood on the lobes of their right ears, on the thumbs of their right hands, and on the big toes of their right feet." This ritual act signifies the dedication of the priest's entire being to God—his hearing (ear), his actions (hand), and his walk (foot). The thumb, in this context, represents the work and service of the priest, consecrated for holy purposes. Cultural and Historical Context In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the thumb was often seen as a symbol of power and capability. The loss of a thumb could incapacitate a warrior, rendering him unable to wield a weapon effectively. This is illustrated in Judges 1:6-7 , where Adoni-Bezek, a defeated king, has his thumbs and big toes cut off: "Adoni-Bezek fled, but they pursued him, seized him, and cut off his thumbs and big toes. Then Adoni-Bezek said, 'Seventy kings with their thumbs and big toes cut off have picked up scraps under my table. As I have done, so God has repaid me.'" This act of mutilation was a common practice in ancient warfare to humiliate and disable captives, preventing them from fighting again. The removal of the thumbs symbolized a loss of power and autonomy. Theological Implications Theologically, the thumb's mention in the Bible underscores the importance of dedicating one's actions to God. The consecration of the thumb in priestly ordination highlights the call to serve God with one's hands, symbolizing the work and deeds performed in His name. It serves as a reminder of the need for purity and dedication in all aspects of life, particularly in service and ministry. In summary, the thumb, while a small part of the body, carries significant weight in biblical symbolism and practice. Its role in consecration rituals and its symbolic representation of strength and capability reflect the broader biblical themes of dedication, service, and the consequences of sin and judgment. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 29:20Then shall you kill the ram, and take of his blood, and put it on the tip of the right ear of Aaron, and on the tip of the right ear of his sons, and on the thumb of their right hand, and on the great toe of their right foot, and sprinkle the blood on the altar round about. Torrey's Topical Textbook Leviticus 14:14,17 Library Meditation ix. Private Instruction and Consecrations. Entire Sanctification in Type. Jesus Before Caiphas. Mahometanism; Image-Worship (Ad 612-794) Whether There Can be any Suitable Cause for the Sacraments of the ... A Supplementary Chapter to the Bible in Spain Devout Customs and Usages How Saints May Help the Devil Eutyches and Philip in Profundis Additional Notes. 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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