Topical Encyclopedia The act of stretching forth one's hand is a significant gesture in the biblical narrative, symbolizing divine intervention, authority, and the execution of God's will. This action is often associated with miraculous events, acts of judgment, and the impartation of blessings or curses.Divine Intervention and Miracles One of the most notable instances of hand-stretching occurs in the account of Moses. In Exodus 14:21, Moses stretches out his hand over the sea, and the LORD causes the sea to part, allowing the Israelites to escape from the pursuing Egyptians: "Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land." This act of stretching forth the hand is a demonstration of God's power working through His chosen leader. Similarly, in Exodus 7:19, God commands Moses to stretch out his hand over the waters of Egypt to bring about the first plague: "And the LORD said to Moses, 'Tell Aaron, "Take your staff and stretch out your hand over the waters of Egypt—over their rivers and canals, over their ponds and all their reservoirs—that they may become blood."'" Here, the hand-stretch signifies the initiation of divine judgment upon Egypt. Authority and Leadership The gesture of stretching out the hand is also a symbol of authority and leadership. In Joshua 8:18, the LORD instructs Joshua to stretch out his hand toward Ai, signaling the beginning of the battle: "Then the LORD said to Joshua, 'Hold out your javelin toward Ai, for into your hand I will deliver the city.'" This act not only demonstrates Joshua's role as the leader of Israel but also God's promise of victory. Healing and Restoration In the New Testament, Jesus frequently uses the gesture of hand-stretching in His healing ministry. In Mark 3:5, Jesus heals a man with a withered hand: "And after looking around at them with anger, grieved by their hardness of heart, He said to the man, 'Stretch out your hand.' So he stretched it out, and his hand was restored." This act of stretching forth the hand is a powerful symbol of restoration and the compassionate authority of Christ. Judgment and Consequences The stretching of the hand can also signify impending judgment. In Isaiah 5:25, the prophet describes God's anger against Israel: "Therefore the anger of the LORD burns against His people; His hand is raised against them to strike them down." Here, the raised hand is a metaphor for divine judgment and the consequences of disobedience. Symbolism in Worship and Prayer In the context of worship and prayer, the stretching of hands is a gesture of supplication and surrender. Psalm 143:6 expresses this sentiment: "I stretch out my hands to You; my soul thirsts for You like a parched land." This act symbolizes a deep yearning for God's presence and assistance. The act of hand-stretching in the Bible is a multifaceted symbol, representing divine power, authority, healing, judgment, and worship. It underscores the relationship between God and humanity, illustrating how God's will is enacted through human agency and divine intervention. Library Hebrews xi. 7 First Forgiveness, Then Healing Thesaurus Hand-stretch (2 Occurrences)Hand-stretch. Hand-staves, Hand-stretch. Hand'to . Multi-Version Concordance Hand-stretch (2 Occurrences). Exodus 28 ... /h/hand-stretch.htm - 7k Width (58 Occurrences) Wide (206 Occurrences) Overhanging (6 Occurrences) Hand'to (1 Occurrence) Hollow (35 Occurrences) Hand-staves (1 Occurrence) Hand's (3 Occurrences) Resources What was the purpose of the biblical sign gifts? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the history of crucifixion? What was crucifixion like? | GotQuestions.org Was Jesus crucified on a cross, pole, or stake? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Hand-stretch (2 Occurrences)Exodus 28:16 Ezekiel 43:13 Subtopics Related Terms Threshing-floor (36 Occurrences) |
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