Topical Encyclopedia In biblical tradition, the act of lifting up the hand in benediction is a significant gesture, symbolizing the impartation of blessing, authority, and divine favor. This practice is deeply rooted in the cultural and religious contexts of the Scriptures, where physical gestures often accompany spiritual truths.Old Testament Context The lifting of hands is frequently associated with prayer and blessing in the Old Testament. One of the earliest instances is found in the priestly blessing, where Aaron and his sons were instructed to bless the Israelites. In Numbers 6:22-27, the LORD commands Moses: "Speak to Aaron and his sons: This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: 'The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.'" Although the text does not explicitly mention the lifting of hands, Jewish tradition holds that the priests would raise their hands during this blessing. The gesture of lifting hands is also seen in the context of prayer and supplication. In Psalm 28:2, David cries out, "Hear my cry for mercy when I call to You for help, when I lift up my hands toward Your holy sanctuary." Here, the lifting of hands signifies an appeal to God, a physical expression of dependence and reverence. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the act of lifting hands continues to hold spiritual significance. Jesus Himself, before His ascension, lifted His hands to bless His disciples. Luke 24:50-51 records, "When He had led them out as far as Bethany, He lifted up His hands and blessed them. While He was blessing them, He left them and was carried up into heaven." This moment underscores the continuity of blessing from the Old Covenant to the New, with Christ as the ultimate High Priest imparting His peace and presence to His followers. The Apostle Paul also references the lifting of hands in the context of prayer and worship. In 1 Timothy 2:8, he writes, "Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger or dissension." Here, the emphasis is on purity and unity, suggesting that the physical act of lifting hands should be accompanied by a heart free from sin and division. Symbolism and Significance The lifted hand in benediction is rich with symbolism. It represents the transmission of God's blessing and favor, a visible sign of His grace being conferred upon His people. The gesture also signifies authority, as seen in the priestly role of mediating God's blessing to the congregation. Furthermore, it is an expression of intercession, as the one lifting hands stands in the gap, invoking God's presence and power on behalf of others. In the broader biblical narrative, the lifted hand is a reminder of God's sovereignty and the believer's role as a conduit of His blessing. It calls the faithful to approach God with reverence, purity, and a heart aligned with His will, ready to receive and impart His divine favor. Nave's Topical Index 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. Nave's Topical Index Luke 24:50 Library The Ascension Christ's Message to Herod Why they Call Themselves Perat??; their Theory of Generation ... Deliverance from Assyria Brought up from the Horrible Pit The Last Words of the Old and New Testaments The Women of the Gospel Narrative the Study of the Early Christian ... The Triumphant End The Cavils of the Pharisees Concerning Purification, and the ... A Prophet's Strange Providers Resources What is the right hand of fellowship (Galatians 2:9)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the hand of Hamsa? | GotQuestions.org Why did oaths involve putting a hand under someone's thigh (Genesis 24:9)? | GotQuestions.org Hand: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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