Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the right hand is often associated with strength, authority, and protection. This symbolism is deeply rooted in the cultural and historical context of the Scriptures, where the right hand is frequently depicted as a position of honor and power. The concept of standing at the right hand as a form of protection is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, illustrating God's providential care and defense of His people.Biblical References and Symbolism 1. Divine Protection and Authority: The right hand of God is a powerful symbol of His might and protective presence. In Exodus 15:6, the song of Moses celebrates God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt, proclaiming, "Your right hand, O LORD, is majestic in power; Your right hand, O LORD, has shattered the enemy." Here, the right hand signifies God's intervention and victory over adversaries, underscoring His role as protector and deliverer. 2. The Right Hand as a Place of Honor: In the ancient Near Eastern context, sitting or standing at the right hand of a ruler was a position of high honor and authority. This is reflected in Psalm 110:1, where David writes, "The LORD said to my Lord: 'Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.'" This verse is often interpreted as a messianic prophecy, indicating the exalted status and protective authority of the Messiah. 3. Protection in Times of Trouble: The Psalms frequently depict God as a refuge and protector, with His right hand symbolizing His safeguarding presence. Psalm 16:8 states, "I have set the LORD always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken." This imagery conveys a sense of stability and security, as the psalmist trusts in God's unwavering protection. 4. Christ at the Right Hand of God: In the New Testament, the imagery of the right hand is further developed in relation to Jesus Christ. After His resurrection and ascension, Christ is described as seated at the right hand of God, signifying His authority and role as intercessor. Hebrews 1:3 affirms, "After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high." This position underscores Christ's divine authority and His ongoing protection and advocacy for believers. 5. The Believer's Assurance: The right hand of God also serves as a metaphor for the assurance and confidence believers can have in God's protection. Isaiah 41:10 offers comfort with the promise, "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." This verse reassures believers of God's sustaining power and protective presence in their lives. Conclusion The imagery of the right hand as a symbol of protection is a profound and enduring motif in the Bible. It reflects God's strength, authority, and commitment to safeguarding His people. Whether through divine intervention, the exaltation of Christ, or the assurance of His presence, the right hand of God remains a powerful emblem of His protective care and sovereign power. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 16:8I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 109:31 Psalm 110:5 Library Standing with the People The Martyrdom of Stephen. Head of the Lord Of the Places of Burial. Jesus is Arrested. The Intercession of Christ 'Into Thy Hands' Of the Outer Limbs of Man, and their Use. The Revelation God's People Delivered. 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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