Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the right hand often symbolizes power, authority, and blessing. It is frequently associated with God's favor and strength. However, there are instances where the withdrawal of the right hand signifies the withholding of support, protection, or blessing, serving as a profound expression of divine judgment or discipline.Symbolism of the Right Hand The right hand is traditionally seen as a symbol of strength and honor. In the ancient Near Eastern context, the right hand was associated with skill and power, often used in warfare and governance. Biblically, the right hand of God represents His mighty acts and sovereign authority. For instance, in Exodus 15:6, the song of Moses declares, "Your right hand, O LORD, is majestic in power; Your right hand, O LORD, shatters the enemy." Withdrawal of the Right Hand The withdrawal of the right hand, therefore, conveys a significant shift from favor to disfavor. This act can be understood as God withholding His support or protection, often as a response to the disobedience or unfaithfulness of His people. The imagery of the withdrawn right hand serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's commandments and the resulting loss of His protective presence. Biblical Instances One poignant example of this concept is found in Psalm 74:11, where the psalmist laments, "Why do You withdraw Your hand? Stretch out Your right hand from Your bosom and destroy them!" Here, the psalmist pleads for God to intervene against adversaries, recognizing that the absence of God's right hand signifies a period of vulnerability and distress for the people of Israel. Similarly, in Lamentations 2:3, the prophet Jeremiah observes the Lord's judgment upon Jerusalem: "In fierce anger He has cut off every horn of Israel. He has withdrawn His right hand at the approach of the enemy." This withdrawal indicates a deliberate act of judgment, allowing the city to face the consequences of its rebellion without divine intervention. Theological Implications The withdrawal of the right hand serves as a sobering reminder of the conditional nature of God's blessings. While God's love and grace are steadfast, His active support and protection are often contingent upon the faithfulness and obedience of His people. This concept underscores the importance of maintaining a covenant relationship with God, characterized by adherence to His commandments and a heart aligned with His will. Conclusion In summary, the withdrawal of the right hand in biblical texts symbolizes the withholding of divine support and protection. It serves as a powerful metaphor for the consequences of disobedience and the seriousness of divine judgment. This imagery calls believers to reflect on their relationship with God, encouraging a life of faithfulness and obedience to ensure the continued presence and favor of the Almighty. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 74:11Why withdraw you your hand, even your right hand? pluck it out of your bosom. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Appendix. The General Conference of 1840 A Warning Rejected. A Warning Rejected Of Vows. The Miserable Entanglements Caused by Vowing Rashly. Period ii. The Church from the Permanent Division of the Empire ... Summa Theologica Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ... The General Conference of 1828 The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus 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) |
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