Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

HAND

In addition to the literal body part (Gen. 8:9; Matt. 8:3), a reference, by metonymy, to the whole person (Ps. 24:4). The right hand was given to seal a contract or receive a person into fellowship (Gal. 2:9), and to be at the right hand was considered a position of honor (Matt. 25:33; Heb. 12:2).

In a symbolic way the hand refers to responsibility (Gen. 4:11; Ps. 7:3[MT 4]) and authority. The expression “into (from) the hand of” may refer to the exercise of power by God or a person (Judg. 13:1, 5; 1 Sam. 9:16; Acts 12:11). The hand of God is frequently used to demonstrate God’s power in creation (Ps. 95:5; Isa. 64:8), redemption (Exod. 13:9, 14, 16; Ps. 37:24; John 10:29) and judgment (Deut. 2:15; Acts 13:11). With his hand God provides blessings (Ezra 7:9; Neh. 2:18), including divine help (Ps. 119:173), protection (138:7), and prophetic ecstasy (Ezek. 1:3; 40:1).

Uplifted hands were used in prayer (1 Kgs. 8:22, 54; 1 Tim. 2:8) and signaled victory (Exod. 17:8-13); washing hands declared innocence, especially of blood-guilt (Deut. 21:6; Matt. 27:24). Hands were clapped in praise (Ps. 47:1[2]) and used to bless (Gen. 48:17; Luke 24:50), heal (Matt. 14:31), and ordain (Num. 27:18-23; Acts 6:6). People received the Holy Spirit by the laying on of hands (Acts 8:17; 1 Tim. 4:14). The hand was also used in idiomatic phrases to suggest imminence (Matt. 3:2), ownership (Rev. 13:16; 14:9), judgment (Isa. 10:32), justice (Exod. 21:24), and murder (Gen. 22:12).

Kenneth D. Mulzac

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

HAND

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)