The Hands: The Right Hand used in Embracing
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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 20:9
And 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
His left hand is under my head, and his right hand does embrace me.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Songs 8:3
His left hand should be under my head, and his right hand should embrace me.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Doctrine of the Rest of the Apostles.
... opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God ... the prophet Hosea declares:
"I have filled up visions, and used similitudes by the hands of the ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xii doctrine of the rest.htm

The Universality of Prayer
... Universal terms are used when men are commanded to pray, while ... Prayer has in its
hands a double blessing. ... He is now doing at His Father's right hand in heaven ...
/.../bounds/the essentials of prayer/xii the universality of prayer.htm

Jehovah
... One, the "I am"; and it is generally used as a ... Closer is He than breathing, and nearer
than hands and feet. ... shall my hand hold thee, and my right hand lead thee ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/the god of all comfort/chapter 6 jehovah.htm

The Perseverance of Faith
... with thy right hand, or with thy left hand, it will ... neck had been decked with pearls,
and her hands had been ... and he delights to see it, and drives right ahead. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/the perseverance of faith.htm

The Ascension of Isaiah.
... angels adore Him, while He sits at the right hand of the ... of the Holy Spirit is seated
on the left hand. ... and supplements, the work of Christian hands, so that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the ascension of isaiah.htm

The Evolution of Early Congregationalism the Stone which the ...
... all authority virtually centred in the hands of the ... stood ready to extend the right
hand of fellowship ... the 17th century 'Independent' was chiefly used in England ...
/.../chapter i the evolution of.htm

On the Church and Its Head
... economical legislation which was administered by his hands. ... too, the word "catholic"
is used respecting those ... gave to each other the right hand of fellowship ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 18 on the church.htm

Letter cvii. To Laeta.
... in the Lord's words, "discern between their right hand and their ... Cyprian's writings
let her have always in her hands. ... Hand her over to Eustochium while she is ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cvii to laeta.htm

The Fourth vision "In Heaven"
... 12.is the fact that God is going right back to the ... for Moses delivered the nation
out of his hand, and God ... 2:6, 7 has suffered much at the hands of translators ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the fourth vision in heaven.htm

Of the Commissioners Hellebichus Commander of the Troops, and ...
... pour forth their blood, but that they used as much ... beard, and carry staves in the
right hand; the philosophers ... fast the judges with their own hands, they would ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xvii of the commissioners.htm

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.org

The 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 ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Hands

Hands and Feet

The Hands of Power

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: God Makes Impotent

The Hands: God Strengthens

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 Jews Eat With

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

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The Hands: The Right Hand of Priests Touched With Blood of Consecration-Ram
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