Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the hands are often depicted as instruments of action, service, and divine purpose. The hands symbolize human agency and the execution of God's will, serving as a conduit through which divine commands are fulfilled. This imagery is prevalent throughout Scripture, where the hands are portrayed as servants directed by the movements of the heart and spirit, reflecting obedience, skill, and dedication.Symbolism and Functionality The hands are frequently associated with work and labor, as seen in Proverbs 31:13, where the virtuous woman "works with willing hands." This passage highlights the diligence and industrious nature of hands as they carry out tasks with purpose and efficiency. Similarly, in Ecclesiastes 9:10, the exhortation, "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might," underscores the importance of wholehearted commitment to one's endeavors, emphasizing the hands as instruments of earnest service. Divine Guidance and Empowerment The hands are also depicted as being guided and empowered by God. In Exodus 31:3, God fills Bezalel with His Spirit, granting him wisdom, understanding, and skill in craftsmanship. This divine endowment enables Bezalel's hands to create the intricate designs for the Tabernacle, illustrating how human hands, when directed by divine influence, accomplish God's purposes. In the New Testament, the laying on of hands is a significant act, symbolizing the transfer of authority, blessing, or healing. In Acts 6:6, the apostles lay hands on the seven chosen men, commissioning them for service. This act signifies the hands as instruments through which God's authority and blessing are conferred, further emphasizing their role as servants directed by divine movements. Obedience and Submission The hands also represent obedience and submission to God's will. In Psalm 123:2, the psalmist writes, "As the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master... so our eyes look to the LORD our God." This imagery portrays the hands as responsive to the master's direction, ready to act in accordance with His commands. The hands, therefore, become a metaphor for the believer's readiness to serve and submit to God's authority. Judgment and Consequence Conversely, the misuse of hands can lead to judgment and consequence. In Isaiah 59:3, the prophet declares, "For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity." Here, the hands are implicated in acts of sin and injustice, serving as a reminder of the moral responsibility that accompanies their actions. The hands, when directed by unrighteous motives, become instruments of wrongdoing, subject to divine judgment. Conclusion Throughout Scripture, the hands are depicted as vital instruments of service, obedience, and divine purpose. Whether engaged in labor, empowered by the Spirit, or symbolizing submission, the hands reflect the heart's intentions and the spirit's direction. As servants directed by movements of divine and moral influence, the hands play a crucial role in the biblical narrative, embodying the dynamic relationship between human agency and divine sovereignty. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 123:2Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden to the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait on the LORD our God, until that he have mercy on us. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Heathen Plots God Does Whatsoever He Wills in the Hearts of Even Wicked Men. Light through Darkness. Light through Darkness The Fourth Homily. On the Holy Theophany, or on Christ's Baptism. The Unmerciful Servant. Woes on the Pharisees Gethsemane Paul in Malta and Rome. Christ and the Unstable. 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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