Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the act of smiting hands together is often depicted as a gesture of extreme anger, frustration, or derision. This physical expression is rich in cultural and theological significance, reflecting the intensity of human emotions and divine responses.Biblical References One of the most vivid illustrations of this gesture is found in the book of Ezekiel. In Ezekiel 21:14, the prophet is instructed by God to "strike your hands together" as a sign of the impending judgment upon Israel. The Berean Standard Bible translates this passage as: "So you, son of man, prophesy and strike your hands together. Let the sword strike twice, even three times. It is a sword for slaughter—a sword for great slaughter, closing in on them from every side." This act of smiting hands together serves as a prophetic symbol, emphasizing the severity and certainty of God's judgment. It underscores the seriousness of the message being delivered and the emotional weight carried by the prophet as he conveys God's wrath. Another instance is found in Ezekiel 22:13, where God Himself declares, "Now look, I strike My hands together against your unjust gain and against the blood you have shed in your midst." Here, the gesture is attributed to God, illustrating His righteous indignation against the sins of the people. The act of striking hands together is a divine expression of anger towards injustice and violence, highlighting God's intolerance for sin and His commitment to justice. Cultural Context In ancient Near Eastern cultures, gestures such as smiting hands together were common expressions of strong emotions. This action could convey anger, mockery, or even a call to attention. In the biblical context, it often accompanies prophetic declarations or divine pronouncements, serving as a physical manifestation of the intensity of the message. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, the act of smiting hands together in the Bible is not merely a human expression but often a divine one. It reflects God's active engagement with His creation, His responsiveness to human sin, and His commitment to justice. The gesture serves as a reminder of the seriousness with which God views sin and the certainty of His righteous judgment. Furthermore, this expression of anger is not arbitrary but is rooted in God's holy character. It is a response to the violation of His covenant and the moral order He has established. The smiting of hands together, therefore, is a call to repentance and a warning of the consequences of continued disobedience. Practical Application For believers, understanding the significance of this gesture can deepen one's appreciation for the gravity of sin and the seriousness of God's judgment. It serves as a reminder of the need for repentance and the importance of aligning one's life with God's standards. The imagery of smiting hands together can also encourage believers to reflect on their own expressions of anger and to seek to emulate God's righteous indignation rather than human wrath. In summary, the biblical motif of smiting hands together in extreme anger is a powerful symbol of divine judgment and human emotion. It calls attention to the seriousness of sin and the certainty of God's response, urging believers to live in accordance with His righteous standards. Torrey's Topical Textbook Numbers 24:10And Balak's anger was kindled against Balaam, and he smote his hands together: and Balak said to Balaam, I called you to curse my enemies, and, behold, you have altogether blessed them these three times. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ezekiel 21:14,17 Library Matt. Ii. 2 Matt. xxvi. 36-38. Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount Acts xxii. 17-20 Matt. v. 17 His Name --Wonderful! Preached on Occasion of the Death of the Rev. Mr. John Fletcher ... Matt. xxvi. 17, 18 Chapter xxxiv "And There is None that Calleth Upon Thy Name, that Stirreth up ... 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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