Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the right hand is often associated with power, authority, and honor. It is frequently used as a symbol of strength and divine favor. The act of swearing by the right hand is a significant motif in Scripture, reflecting the solemnity and binding nature of oaths made in the presence of God.Divine Oaths and the Right Hand The right hand of God is depicted as a place of honor and authority. In the context of oaths, swearing by the right hand underscores the seriousness and unchangeable nature of the promise. This is evident in several passages where God Himself swears by His right hand, emphasizing His unchanging nature and the certainty of His promises. In Isaiah 62:8, the Lord declares, "The LORD has sworn by His right hand and by His mighty arm: 'Never again will I give your grain as food for your enemies, nor will foreigners drink the new wine for which you have labored.'" . Here, the right hand signifies God's power and commitment to protect and bless His people, ensuring that His promises are fulfilled. Human Oaths and the Right Hand While the Bible primarily focuses on divine oaths, the right hand also plays a role in human oaths and covenants. The act of raising the right hand in an oath-taking ceremony is a gesture of sincerity and truthfulness. It signifies the individual's commitment to uphold the promise made, invoking the authority and witness of God. In the cultural context of the Bible, swearing by the right hand was a common practice, reflecting the belief that the right hand was a symbol of one's honor and integrity. This practice is rooted in the understanding that the right hand is associated with strength and reliability, making it an appropriate symbol for binding agreements. Theological Implications The use of the right hand in oaths highlights the biblical theme of God's faithfulness and the reliability of His word. When God swears by His right hand, it serves as a powerful reminder of His sovereignty and the certainty of His promises. For believers, this underscores the importance of trust in God's unchanging nature and the assurance that His word will come to pass. Furthermore, the emphasis on the right hand in oaths reflects the broader biblical narrative of God's covenant relationship with His people. It points to the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises through Jesus Christ, who is seated at the right hand of the Father, signifying His authority and the completion of His redemptive work. In summary, the motif of swearing by the right hand in the Bible is a profound expression of divine and human commitment, underscoring the themes of power, authority, and faithfulness that permeate the Scriptures. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 62:8The LORD has sworn by his right hand, and by the arm of his strength, Surely I will no more give your corn to be meat for your enemies; and the sons of the stranger shall not drink your wine, for the which you have labored: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Ezekiel's Discourse Of those Things in the 110Th Psalm which Relate to the Priesthood ... How the Romans Carried their Ensigns to the Temple, and Made ... The Book of John Concerning the Falling Asleep of Mary. The Agony, and the Consoler Mason -- Messiah's Throne His Presence of Mind The Believer's Challenge Of the Priesthood of Jesus Foretold by the Prophets. Acts VII 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) |