Topical Encyclopedia The concept of using one's hands in the service of God is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing the importance of dedicating our actions and labor to the Lord. The hands, as instruments of work and action, symbolize human effort and the capacity to fulfill God's will on earth.Biblical Foundation The Bible frequently highlights the significance of using our hands for righteous purposes. In the Old Testament, the hands are often depicted as tools for worship and service. Psalm 24:3-4 states, "Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear deceitfully." Here, clean hands symbolize purity and readiness to serve God. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul encourages believers to work diligently with their hands. In 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 , he writes, "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to attend to your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we instructed you. Then you will behave properly toward outsiders, without being dependent on anyone." This passage underscores the value of industriousness and self-sufficiency as a testimony to others. Service and Worship The hands are not only instruments of labor but also of worship. In Psalm 134:2 , the psalmist exhorts, "Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and bless the LORD." This act of lifting hands in worship signifies surrender, praise, and a willingness to serve God wholeheartedly. Moreover, the hands are used in acts of blessing and healing, as seen in the ministry of Jesus and His apostles. In Mark 6:5 , it is recorded, "So He could not perform any miracles there, except to lay His hands on a few of the sick and heal them." The laying on of hands became a significant practice in the early church, symbolizing the impartation of the Holy Spirit and the commissioning for service. Work as Worship The Bible presents work as an extension of worship, where the labor of our hands is offered to God. Colossians 3:23-24 instructs, "Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men, because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." This passage encourages believers to view their daily tasks as acts of service to God, transforming mundane activities into opportunities for spiritual devotion. Charitable Acts The hands are also instruments of charity and compassion. Proverbs 31:20 describes the virtuous woman: "She opens her arms to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy." This imagery highlights the role of hands in extending God's love and provision to others, fulfilling the command to love one's neighbor. Conclusion The biblical mandate to employ our hands in God's service is clear and multifaceted. Whether through worship, work, or acts of charity, the hands are a powerful symbol of our commitment to live out our faith in tangible ways. By dedicating our hands to God's service, we participate in His redemptive work in the world, reflecting His love and grace to those around us. Torrey's Topical Textbook Nehemiah 2:18Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good on me; as also the king's words that he had spoken to me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work. Torrey's Topical Textbook Zechariah 8:9,13 Library Thankful Service. Five Fears The Charge of the Watchers in the Temple Heathen Plots the Nature of this Oversight The Best Things Work for Good to the Godly Thwarting God's Purpose Vocation. Personal Service The Parables of the Kingdom. 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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