Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the right hand held significant symbolic meaning, often associated with power, authority, and blessing. However, it also served as a gesture of friendship and covenant, representing trust, agreement, and mutual support. The act of extending the right hand in friendship is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures, illustrating the importance of relationships and alliances in the biblical narrative.Biblical Instances of the Right Hand as a Token of Friendship 1. Covenantal Agreements: The right hand was often extended in the context of forming covenants or agreements, symbolizing a bond of trust and mutual commitment. In Galatians 2:9, the Apostle Paul recounts how James, Cephas (Peter), and John, who were esteemed as pillars of the early church, "gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised" . This gesture signified their acceptance and support of Paul's mission to the Gentiles, marking a significant moment of unity and partnership in the early Christian community. 2. Expressions of Loyalty and Support: The right hand also served as a sign of loyalty and support among friends and allies. In the Old Testament, the right hand is frequently mentioned in the context of military alliances and support. For instance, in 1 Chronicles 12:17-18, David, while in the wilderness, is approached by warriors who offer their allegiance. David responds by saying, "If you have come to me in peace to help me, my heart will be united with you; but if you have come to betray me to my enemies, though my hands are free from violence, may the God of our fathers see it and judge." The warriors then pledge their loyalty, and the Spirit comes upon Amasai, chief of the Thirty, who declares, "We are yours, David! We are with you, son of Jesse! Peace, peace to you, and peace to your helpers, for your God helps you." This narrative underscores the right hand as a symbol of peace and alliance. 3. Symbol of Peace and Reconciliation: The right hand is also a symbol of peace and reconciliation, often extended to mend broken relationships or to establish new ones. In the account of Jacob and Esau, after years of estrangement, Jacob approaches Esau with gifts and gestures of goodwill. Although the text does not explicitly mention the right hand, the reconciliation between the brothers in Genesis 33 can be seen as an embodiment of extending the hand of friendship, as they embrace and weep together, signifying the restoration of their relationship. Cultural and Theological Significance The cultural significance of the right hand as a token of friendship is deeply rooted in the ancient Near Eastern context, where gestures and physical symbols played a crucial role in communication and relationship-building. Theologically, the right hand as a gesture of friendship reflects the biblical themes of unity, peace, and reconciliation, which are central to the message of the Gospel. The extension of the right hand in friendship is a tangible expression of the love and grace that believers are called to embody in their relationships with one another, as they reflect the character of God, who extends His hand of friendship and salvation to humanity through Jesus Christ. In summary, the right hand as a token of friendship in the Bible is a powerful symbol of covenant, loyalty, and reconciliation, illustrating the importance of relationships and alliances in the biblical narrative and the life of faith. Torrey's Topical Textbook Galatians 2:9And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go to the heathen, and they to the circumcision. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Crown Book Letter cli. (AD 413 or 414. ) The Ascension Here Beginneth the Life of Isaac Christ and his Table-Companions "And when the Hour was Come, He ... The End of Cambyses. "The Time of Trouble. " The Time of Trouble The Best Beloved Chapter xxiv 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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