Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the right hand is frequently associated with strength, power, authority, and blessing. This symbolism is deeply rooted in the cultural and historical context of the ancient Near East, where the right hand was often considered the dominant hand, used for tasks requiring precision and strength.Symbolism and Significance The right hand is emblematic of God's power and authority. It is often depicted as the means by which God executes His will and delivers His people. The right hand signifies not only physical strength but also divine favor and protection. Biblical References 1. Divine Power and Deliverance: The right hand of God is a recurring theme in the Psalms, where it is associated with deliverance and victory. Psalm 118:16 states, "The right hand of the LORD is exalted! The right hand of the LORD performs with valor!" This verse highlights the right hand as a symbol of God's mighty acts and His ability to save His people. 2. Authority and Sovereignty: The right hand is also a symbol of authority and sovereignty. In Exodus 15:6 , the song of Moses celebrates God's triumph over the Egyptians: "Your right hand, O LORD, is majestic in power; Your right hand, O LORD, has shattered the enemy." Here, the right hand represents God's supreme authority over the forces of chaos and opposition. 3. Blessing and Favor: The right hand is often associated with blessing. In Genesis 48:14, Jacob crosses his hands to place his right hand on Ephraim, the younger of Joseph's sons, signifying the greater blessing. This act underscores the right hand as a conduit of divine favor and blessing. 4. Christ at the Right Hand: In the New Testament, the right hand of God is a place of honor and authority. Jesus Christ is described as seated at the right hand of the Father, signifying His exalted status and divine authority. Hebrews 1:3 affirms, "After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high." 5. Protection and Support: The right hand is also a symbol of protection and support. Isaiah 41:10 offers comfort with the words, "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 passage reassures believers of God's unwavering support and protection. Cultural Context In the ancient world, the right hand was typically the hand of skill and power. It was used in greetings, oaths, and the conferring of blessings. The preference for the right hand is reflected in various cultural practices and legal traditions, where the right hand was often used to signify truth and fidelity. Theological Implications The imagery of the right hand in Scripture conveys profound theological truths about God's nature and His relationship with humanity. It emphasizes His omnipotence, His role as protector and deliverer, and His authority over all creation. The right hand of God assures believers of His active presence and intervention in the world, offering hope and confidence in His ultimate sovereignty and justice. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 15:6Your right hand, O LORD, is become glorious in power: your right hand, O LORD, has dashed in pieces the enemy. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 17:7 Library 'The Hands of the Mighty God of Jacob' The Healing Power of the Name The Want of Power to Believe The Measure of Immeasurable Power The Secret of Power The Withered Hand Growing up into Christ The Glorious Master and the Swooning Disciple Power --Its Source Psalm XCVIII. 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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