Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the right hand is frequently associated with power, authority, and honor. This symbolism is deeply rooted in the cultural and historical context of the ancient Near East, where the right hand was often considered the hand of strength and skill. The Bible reflects this understanding, using the right hand as a metaphor for divine power and human authority.Divine Power and Authority The right hand of God is a recurring theme in Scripture, symbolizing His omnipotence and sovereign rule. In Exodus 15:6, the song of Moses celebrates God's deliverance of Israel from Egypt, proclaiming, "Your right hand, O LORD, is majestic in power; Your right hand, O LORD, has shattered the enemy." Here, the right hand of God is depicted as a force of salvation and judgment, demonstrating His ability to protect and deliver His people. Psalm 110:1 further emphasizes the right hand as a place of honor and authority: "The LORD said to my Lord: 'Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.'" This verse is often interpreted as a messianic prophecy, pointing to the exaltation of Christ, who is seated at the right hand of God, signifying His ultimate authority and victory over all adversaries. Christ at the Right Hand The New Testament continues this theme, particularly in reference to Jesus Christ. In Mark 16:19, after His resurrection, it is recorded, "After the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, He was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God." This position at the right hand signifies Christ's exalted status and His role as the mediator between God and humanity. The Apostle Paul also highlights this in Ephesians 1:20-21, where he writes about the power of God "which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in the present age but also in the one to come." This passage underscores the supremacy of Christ's authority, granted by God, as He reigns from the right hand. Human Authority and Blessing In addition to divine power, the right hand is also associated with human authority and blessing. In Genesis 48:14, Jacob crosses his hands to place his right hand on Ephraim, the younger of Joseph's sons, signifying the greater blessing. This act demonstrates the cultural importance of the right hand in conferring favor and leadership. The right hand is also a symbol of fellowship and partnership. In Galatians 2:9, Paul recounts how James, Cephas, and John extended "the right hand of fellowship" to him and Barnabas, recognizing their ministry to the Gentiles. This gesture signifies acceptance and mutual respect within the early Christian community. Conclusion Throughout the Bible, the right hand serves as a powerful symbol of authority, strength, and blessing. Whether in reference to God's mighty acts, the exaltation of Christ, or the conferring of human authority, the right hand represents a place of honor and power, deeply embedded in the biblical narrative and its theological implications. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 110:1The LORD said to my Lord, Sit you at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool. Torrey's Topical Textbook Mark 14:62 Library The Third Day He Rose Again from the Dead. The Glory of Christ's ... Pricked in their Heart Psalm CXXI. The Want of Power to Believe The Price of Power. Of the Section Where it is Recorded, that Being Moved with ... Power --Its Source Witnessing in Power. The Christ Crowned, the Fact Stephen the First Christian Martyr 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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