Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the act of lifting one's hands was a significant gesture often associated with making an oath or solemn promise. This practice is deeply rooted in the cultural and religious traditions of the ancient Near East and is reflected in various passages throughout the Bible. The lifting of hands in oath-taking symbolizes the invocation of divine witness and the solemnity of the commitment being made.Biblical Instances and Symbolism 1. Genesis 14:22: One of the earliest references to this practice is found in the account of Abram's encounter with the king of Sodom. Abram declares, "I have raised my hand to the LORD, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth," signifying his oath to not take anything from the king. Here, the lifting of hands underscores Abram's reliance on God as his witness and his commitment to integrity. 2. Deuteronomy 32:40: In the Song of Moses, God Himself is depicted as lifting His hand to heaven, saying, "As surely as I live forever." This anthropomorphic imagery conveys the certainty and unchangeable nature of God's promises and judgments. The act of lifting hands to heaven signifies the ultimate authority and truthfulness of God's word. 3. Ezekiel 20:5-6: The prophet Ezekiel recounts God's oath to the Israelites, "On the day I chose Israel, I swore with uplifted hand to the descendants of the house of Jacob." Here, the lifting of God's hand is a powerful affirmation of His covenantal promises to His people, emphasizing His faithfulness and the binding nature of His word. 4. Daniel 12:7: In a vision, Daniel witnesses a man clothed in linen who "raised both his hands toward heaven and swore by Him who lives forever." This dual lifting of hands intensifies the solemnity of the oath, highlighting the gravity and certainty of the prophetic revelation being given. Cultural and Theological Significance The act of lifting hands in oath-taking is not merely a physical gesture but carries profound theological implications. It reflects a recognition of God's omnipresence and His role as the ultimate judge and witness to human actions. By lifting their hands, individuals acknowledge their accountability to God and the seriousness of their commitments. In the broader biblical narrative, the lifting of hands also serves as a symbol of prayer, supplication, and worship. While distinct from oath-taking, these practices share a common theme of reaching out to the divine, seeking God's presence, and affirming one's dependence on Him. Conclusion The practice of lifting hands in taking an oath is a rich and multifaceted tradition within the biblical context. It underscores the solemnity of oaths, the invocation of divine witness, and the deep-seated belief in God's faithfulness and justice. Through this gesture, biblical figures and narratives convey the profound seriousness with which oaths and promises are to be regarded, both in the sight of God and within the community of faith. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 14:22And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up my hand to the LORD, the most high God, the possessor of heaven and earth, Torrey's Topical Textbook Revelation 10:5 Library A Treatise on Re-Baptism by an Anonymous Writer. And Nicodemus Rising Up, Stood in the Midst of the Counsel... How, after the Death of Joshua their Commander, the Israelites ... The Third Commandment The Destruction of Jerusalem Sermon at the Fourth Annual Convention of the Brotherhood of St. ... Vanished Hopes The Pilgrim Fathers. Letter cviii. To Eustochium. The Life of Sir Archibald Johnston, Lord Warriston. 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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