Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical tradition, the act of lifting hands in blessing is a significant gesture that conveys divine favor, authority, and the transmission of God's grace. This practice is deeply rooted in the cultural and religious contexts of the ancient Near East and is evident throughout the Scriptures.Old Testament Context The lifting of hands in blessing is first seen in the priestly functions of the Old Testament. Aaron, the first high priest, is instructed to bless the people of Israel. In Leviticus 9:22 , it is recorded, "Then Aaron lifted up his hands toward the people and blessed them. And having sacrificed the sin offering, the burnt offering, and the peace offering, he stepped down." This act of lifting hands was not merely symbolic but was believed to be a conduit for God's blessing upon the people. The gesture is also associated with the patriarchs. In Genesis 48:14 , Jacob, also known as Israel, blesses Joseph's sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, by crossing his hands and placing them on the boys' heads. This act of blessing, though involving the laying on of hands, is part of the broader tradition of using hands to convey blessing and favor. Psalms and Worship The Psalms frequently mention the lifting of hands as an expression of worship and supplication. Psalm 63:4 states, "So I will bless You as long as I live; in Your name I will lift my hands." Here, the lifting of hands is an act of worship, signifying the psalmist's devotion and reliance on God. Similarly, Psalm 134:2 encourages worshipers, "Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and bless the LORD." New Testament Practice In the New Testament, the practice of lifting hands in blessing continues, particularly in the context of prayer and the impartation of the Holy Spirit. Jesus Himself is depicted as lifting His hands to bless His disciples. In Luke 24:50 , it is written, "When Jesus had led them out as far as Bethany, He lifted up His hands and blessed them." This act, occurring just before His ascension, underscores the continuity of the blessing tradition from the Old Testament to the New Testament. The Apostle Paul also references the lifting of hands in the context of prayer and worship. In 1 Timothy 2:8 , he instructs, "Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger or dissension." This directive highlights the importance of purity and unity in the act of lifting hands, associating it with a heart posture of holiness and peace. Symbolism and Significance The lifting of hands in blessing is rich with symbolism. It represents an open and receptive posture before God, a physical manifestation of one's desire to receive and impart divine favor. The act signifies authority, as seen in the priestly and patriarchal blessings, and serves as a visual reminder of God's presence and power. In the broader biblical narrative, the lifting of hands in blessing is a testament to the continuity of God's covenantal promises and His desire to bless His people. It is an enduring practice that reflects the heart of worship, the authority of spiritual leadership, and the communal aspect of receiving and sharing God's grace. Torrey's Topical Textbook Leviticus 9:22And Aaron lifted up his hand toward the people, and blessed them, and came down from offering of the sin offering, and the burnt offering, and peace offerings. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Difference Between Union and Rapture. What Rapture Is. The ... The Last visit. 'The Hands of the Mighty God of Jacob' The King 'Blessing' his People Jesus --"All Blessing and all Blest" The Last Words of the Old and New Testaments Second Latin Form. The Gateway into the Kingdom. After the Resurrection Day. The Story of Jacob 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) |
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