Topical Encyclopedia The imagery of "bloody hands" in the Bible is a powerful metaphor used to describe the guilt and violence of the wicked. This expression is often employed to convey the moral and spiritual corruption that results from acts of violence, injustice, and sin. The concept is deeply rooted in the biblical understanding of sin and its consequences, emphasizing the severity of actions that lead to bloodshed and the divine judgment that follows.Biblical References: 1. Isaiah 1:15 · "When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; even though you multiply your prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood." In this passage, the prophet Isaiah conveys God's rejection of the prayers of those whose hands are stained with blood. The imagery of "bloody hands" signifies the people's involvement in acts of violence and injustice, rendering their worship and prayers unacceptable to God. This highlights the principle that true worship must be accompanied by righteousness and justice. 2. Isaiah 59:3 · "For your hands are stained with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, and your tongue mutters injustice." Here, Isaiah again uses the metaphor of "bloody hands" to describe the pervasive sinfulness of the people. The passage links physical violence with other forms of moral corruption, such as deceit and injustice, illustrating the comprehensive nature of their wickedness. 3. Ezekiel 7:23 · "Forge the chain, for the land is full of crimes of bloodshed, and the city is full of violence." Ezekiel speaks of a society overwhelmed by bloodshed and violence, where the hands of the wicked are actively engaged in acts that defile the land. The prophet's call to "forge the chain" symbolizes the impending judgment and captivity due to the people's persistent sin. 4. Psalm 26:9-10 · "Do not take my soul away with sinners, or my life with men of bloodshed, in whose hands are wicked schemes, whose right hands are full of bribes." The psalmist pleads for deliverance from the fate of the wicked, whose hands are not only involved in bloodshed but also in deceitful and corrupt practices. This prayer underscores the association between physical violence and broader moral depravity. Theological Implications: The depiction of "bloody hands" serves as a stark reminder of the seriousness with which God views sin, particularly acts of violence and injustice. It underscores the biblical principle that external religious observances are meaningless without a corresponding commitment to righteousness and justice. The imagery calls believers to examine their own lives, ensuring that their actions align with God's standards of holiness and integrity. The concept also reflects the broader biblical theme of divine justice. Throughout Scripture, God is portrayed as a righteous judge who holds individuals and nations accountable for their actions. The metaphor of "bloody hands" is a vivid illustration of the inevitable consequences of sin, serving as both a warning and a call to repentance. In summary, the biblical portrayal of the hands of the wicked as "bloody" is a powerful symbol of the moral and spiritual corruption that results from sin. It serves as a call to righteousness, justice, and sincere worship, reminding believers of the importance of aligning their actions with the will of God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 1:15And when you spread forth your hands, I will hide my eyes from you: yes, when you make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 59:3 Library Antichrist in the Psalms Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ... The Primitive Church. The Age of the Apostles (Ad 33-100) Evans -- the Fall and Recovery of Man The Death of Christ Concerning John of Gischala. Concerning the Zealots and the High ... Conflict. Chastisements. "In the Volume of the Book it is Written of Me" (Heb. . . Resources Should we raise our hands/clap our hands during worship? | GotQuestions.orgLaying on of hands - what does the Bible say? | GotQuestions.org Why did Jesus say, “Into your hands I commit my spirit,” on the cross? | 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) |