Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the right hand often symbolizes strength, authority, and blessing. It is frequently associated with acts of power and favor. However, the right hand also plays a significant role in expressions of love and intimacy, particularly in the context of embracing.The Song of Solomon, a poetic book celebrating love and marriage, provides a vivid depiction of the right hand used in an embrace. In Song of Solomon 2:6 , the beloved says, "His left hand is under my head, and his right hand embraces me." This imagery conveys a sense of protection, affection, and closeness. The right hand here is not merely a symbol of strength but also of tender care and intimate connection. The use of the right hand in embracing can be seen as an extension of its symbolic meanings. While it represents authority and power, in the context of a loving embrace, it also signifies the strength of love and the security found in a close relationship. The right hand, therefore, becomes a metaphor for the protective and nurturing aspects of love, as well as the commitment and fidelity inherent in a covenant relationship. In the broader biblical narrative, the right hand is often associated with God's actions and presence. For instance, in Isaiah 41:10 , God reassures His people, saying, "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." This passage highlights the right hand as a source of divine support and comfort, paralleling the human experience of being embraced by a loved one. The right hand's role in embracing also reflects the cultural and historical context of the biblical world, where physical gestures were significant in expressing emotions and relationships. In ancient Near Eastern societies, the act of embracing was a common way to demonstrate affection, loyalty, and reconciliation. The right hand, being the dominant hand for most people, naturally became the hand used in such intimate gestures. In summary, the right hand used in embracing within the biblical text serves as a powerful symbol of love, protection, and commitment. It reflects the multifaceted nature of the right hand as both a symbol of strength and a means of expressing deep, personal connection. Through the imagery of the right hand in an embrace, the Bible communicates the profound and tender aspects of human relationships, as well as the divine love and care that God extends to His people. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Samuel 20:9And Joab said to Amasa, Are you in health, my brother? And Joab took Amasa by the beard with the right hand to kiss him. Torrey's Topical Textbook Songs 2:6 Songs 8:3 Library Doctrine of the Rest of the Apostles. The Universality of Prayer Jehovah The Perseverance of Faith The Ascension of Isaiah. The Evolution of Early Congregationalism the Stone which the ... On the Church and Its Head Letter cvii. To Laeta. The Fourth vision "In Heaven" Of the Commissioners Hellebichus Commander of the Troops, and ... 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) |