Topical Bible: Hand: Clasping of, in Token of Contract

◄ Hand: Clasping of, in Token of Contract ►

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In biblical times, the act of clasping hands served as a significant gesture, symbolizing the sealing of agreements, covenants, or contracts. This practice is deeply rooted in the cultural and social customs of the ancient Near East, where physical gestures often carried profound meaning and were integral to the establishment of trust and commitment between parties.

The clasping of hands is mentioned in several instances throughout the Scriptures, highlighting its importance as a token of agreement. In the book of Proverbs, we find a cautionary reference to this practice: "Do not be one who shakes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts" (Proverbs 22:26). Here, the act of shaking hands is associated with entering into a financial obligation, serving as a warning against rash commitments that could lead to one's downfall.

In the context of agreements, the clasping of hands was not merely a casual gesture but a binding act that signified the parties' mutual consent and intention to uphold their promises. This is evident in the account of Jehu and Jehonadab in 2 Kings 10:15, where Jehu extends his hand to Jehonadab as a sign of alliance: "When he left there, he found Jehonadab son of Rechab, who was coming to meet him. Jehu greeted him and asked, 'Is your heart as true to mine as my heart is to yours?' 'It is,' Jehonadab replied. 'If it is,' said Jehu, 'give me your hand.' So he gave him his hand, and Jehu helped him into the chariot" (2 Kings 10:15). This exchange of hands symbolized a covenant of loyalty and shared purpose.

The clasping of hands also appears in the context of legal and social agreements. In the book of Ezra, the leaders of Israel are described as having given their hands in pledge to put away foreign wives, demonstrating their commitment to adhere to the covenant with God: "Let us make a covenant before our God to send away all these foreign wives and their children, according to the counsel of my lord and of those who tremble at the command of our God. Let it be done according to the Law" (Ezra 10:3). The act of giving their hands in this context underscores the seriousness and binding nature of their vow.

Throughout the Bible, the clasping of hands as a token of contract reflects the broader biblical theme of covenantal relationships. It serves as a tangible expression of trust, fidelity, and mutual obligation, echoing the divine covenants established between God and His people. The physical act of joining hands thus becomes a powerful symbol of unity and commitment, underscoring the sacredness of promises made before God and man.

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Ezra 10:19
And they gave their hands that they would put away their wives; and being guilty, they offered a ram of the flock for their trespass.
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Proverbs 6:1
My son, if you be surety for your friend, if you have stricken your hand with a stranger,
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Proverbs 17:18
A man void of understanding strikes hands, and becomes surety in the presence of his friend.
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Lamentations 5:6
We have given the hand to the Egyptians, and to the Assyrians, to be satisfied with bread.
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Ezekiel 17:18
Seeing he despised the oath by breaking the covenant, when, see, he had given his hand, and has done all these things, he shall not escape.
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Library

Against Jovinianus.
... of circumcision was applied, as though the hand of God ... Galeed [4358] the heap of
witness, in token that the ... house of her father, and not to contract a second ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/against jovinianus.htm