Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the act of joining hands held significant symbolic meaning, particularly in the context of making treaties or agreements. This gesture was often used to signify the sealing of a covenant or the establishment of a formal agreement between parties. The joining of hands was a physical manifestation of trust, commitment, and mutual obligation.Biblical Instances and Symbolism 1. Covenantal Agreements: The joining of hands is often associated with the making of covenants, which are solemn agreements or promises between two parties. In the ancient Near Eastern context, covenants were binding and sacred, often involving oaths and rituals. The act of joining hands served as a visible sign of the parties' commitment to uphold their end of the agreement. 2. Proverbs 11:21: "Be assured that the wicked will not go unpunished, but the offspring of the righteous will escape." While this verse does not explicitly mention the joining of hands, it implies the idea of agreement or alliance. The joining of hands in wickedness is contrasted with the righteousness that leads to deliverance. 3. Isaiah 41:13: "For I am the LORD your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, 'Do not fear; I will help you.'" Here, the imagery of God taking hold of the hand signifies divine support and assurance. While not a treaty between equals, it reflects the covenantal relationship between God and His people, where God promises His unwavering help and presence. 4. Ezekiel 17:18: "He despised the oath by breaking the covenant. Behold, he had given his hand in pledge, yet he did all these things; he shall not escape." This passage highlights the seriousness of breaking a covenant. The giving of one's hand in pledge underscores the gravity of the commitment made, and the consequences of violating such an agreement. 5. Historical Context: In the ancient world, treaties were often ratified through various rituals, including the joining of hands. This act was not merely symbolic but was considered legally binding. It was a public demonstration of the parties' intention to honor their commitments, often witnessed by others to ensure accountability. Theological Implications The act of joining hands in treaties reflects the biblical emphasis on faithfulness and integrity. In a world where agreements were often sealed with a handshake, the Bible underscores the importance of keeping one's word and honoring commitments. This principle is consistent with the broader biblical teaching on truthfulness and reliability, as seen in passages like Matthew 5:37, where Jesus instructs, "Let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No.'" Furthermore, the joining of hands in treaties can be seen as a precursor to the New Testament understanding of fellowship and unity within the body of Christ. Just as ancient treaties required mutual trust and commitment, so too does the Christian community rely on the bonds of love and faithfulness among its members. In summary, the joining of hands in biblical treaties serves as a powerful symbol of covenantal faithfulness, reflecting the broader biblical themes of trust, integrity, and divine assurance. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Kings 10:15And when he was departed there, he lighted on Jehonadab the son of Rechab coming to meet him: and he saluted him, and said to him, Is your heart right, as my heart is with your heart? And Jehonadab answered, It is. If it be, give me your hand. And he gave him his hand; and he took him up to him into the chariot. Torrey's Topical Textbook Proverbs 11:21 Library The Introduction. The Life of Sir Archibald Johnston, Lord Warriston. An Exhortation to Peace and Unity The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued) Footnotes The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal The Iranian Conquest 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) |
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