Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the gesture of stretching out one's hands can carry various meanings, ranging from supplication and blessing to derision and scorn. The act of stretching out hands in derision is a symbolic gesture that conveys mockery, contempt, or rejection. This gesture is often depicted in the context of enemies or adversaries who seek to belittle or humiliate.Biblical Instances 1. Psalm 22:7 · In this messianic psalm, the psalmist describes the suffering servant who is scorned by others: "All who see me mock me; they sneer and shake their heads." The act of shaking the head and stretching out the hands in derision is a physical manifestation of the contempt and ridicule faced by the righteous sufferer. This passage is often seen as prophetic of the mockery Jesus Christ endured during His crucifixion. 2. Lamentations 2:15 · The prophet Jeremiah laments the destruction of Jerusalem, describing how passersby mock the fallen city: "All who pass by clap their hands at you; they scoff and shake their heads at the Daughter of Jerusalem: 'Is this the city that was called the perfection of beauty, the joy of the whole earth?'" Here, the clapping of hands and shaking of heads symbolize the derision and scorn of those who witness Jerusalem's downfall. 3. Job 27:23 · In the discourse of Job, the wicked are described as being subject to derision: "It claps its hands at him and hisses him out of his place." The clapping of hands in this context is an expression of disdain and rejection, emphasizing the social ostracism faced by those who are deemed unrighteous. Theological Implications The gesture of stretching out hands in derision serves as a powerful symbol of the rejection and humiliation that the faithful may endure at the hands of the ungodly. It reflects the broader biblical theme of the righteous suffering at the hands of the wicked, a motif that finds its ultimate expression in the life and passion of Jesus Christ. The mockery and scorn He faced, as foretold in the Psalms and witnessed in the Gospels, highlight the world's rejection of divine truth and righteousness. Cultural and Historical Context In ancient Near Eastern cultures, gestures such as clapping hands, shaking the head, or stretching out hands were common expressions of mockery and disdain. These actions were not merely personal insults but carried communal and social implications, often intended to publicly shame and discredit the individual or group being targeted. Understanding these cultural nuances enriches the interpretation of biblical texts where such gestures are mentioned. Application for Believers For believers, the biblical portrayal of hands stretched out in derision serves as a reminder of the trials and persecutions that may accompany a life of faith. It calls Christians to remain steadfast in the face of mockery and to find solace in the example of Christ, who endured scorn yet triumphed over sin and death. This theme encourages believers to respond to derision with grace and perseverance, trusting in God's ultimate justice and vindication. Torrey's Topical Textbook Hosea 7:5In the day of our king the princes have made him sick with bottles of wine; he stretched out his hand with scorners. Torrey's Topical Textbook Zephaniah 2:15 Library Psalm XLIV. Abraham's Offering up his Son Isaac Opposition to Messiah in Vain Sovereignty of God in Administration King of Kings and Lord of Lords The Life of S. Hilarion. Psalm LXXXVI. The Lame Man Cured by Peter and John. Matt. xiv. 13 Calvary 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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