The term "stretchest" is an archaic form of the verb "stretch," often found in older translations of the Bible. It is used to describe the act of extending or spreading out, whether it be one's hand, arm, or any other object. This action is frequently associated with divine intervention, human supplication, or the execution of God's will.

Biblical Usage:

1. Divine Power and Authority:
The act of stretching out one's hand is often symbolic of God's power and authority. In Exodus 7:5 , God declares, "The Egyptians will know that I am the LORD when I stretch out My hand against Egypt and bring the Israelites out from among them." Here, "stretchest" signifies God's active role in delivering His people and executing judgment.

2. Miraculous Acts:
The stretching out of a hand is also associated with miracles and signs. In Exodus 14:16 , God instructs Moses, "And as for you, lift up your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground." This act of stretching out the hand is a conduit for divine power, resulting in the miraculous parting of the Red Sea.

3. Prayer and Supplication:
The term is used in the context of prayer and supplication, where individuals stretch out their hands toward God in a gesture of earnest appeal. In Psalm 143:6 , the psalmist writes, "I stretch out my hands to You; my soul thirsts for You like a parched land." This imagery conveys a deep longing for God's presence and assistance.

4. Judgment and Wrath:
Stretching out the hand can also symbolize the execution of divine judgment. In Isaiah 5:25 , it is written, "Therefore the anger of the LORD burns against His people; His hand is raised against them, and He strikes them down." The act of stretching out the hand here is indicative of God's righteous anger and the subsequent consequences for disobedience.

5. Protection and Guidance:
Conversely, the stretching out of God's hand can also denote protection and guidance. In Psalm 136:12 , the psalmist recounts God's deliverance of Israel with "a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, His loving devotion endures forever." This expression highlights God's enduring commitment to His people and His active role in their salvation.

Theological Significance:

The concept of "stretchest" in the Bible underscores the dynamic interaction between God and humanity. It reflects God's sovereignty, His willingness to intervene in human affairs, and His responsiveness to the cries of His people. Whether in acts of judgment, deliverance, or supplication, the stretching out of a hand is a powerful symbol of divine-human engagement.

In the broader biblical narrative, "stretchest" serves as a reminder of God's omnipotence and His intimate involvement in the lives of His followers. It calls believers to recognize the authority of God, to seek His intervention in times of need, and to trust in His providential care.

Psalm 104
... thou coverest about; And, like unto a curtain, thou. the heavens stretchest out.
^3Who of his chambers doth the beams. within the waters lay; ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/scottish psalter and paraphrases/psalm 104.htm

Section 26-36. That the Son is the Co-Existing Word
... For whom John calls Son, Him David mentions in the Psalm as God's Hand [3392] ,
saying, Why stretchest Thou not forth Thy Right Hand out of Thy bosom [3393 ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/section 26-36 that the son.htm

Concerning the Heaven.
... This idea is suggested by these words of David, the singer of God, Who stretchest
out the heavens like a curtain [1691] , by which word he clearly means a tent ...
/.../john/exposition of the orthodox faith/chapter vi concerning the heaven.htm

The Effects of this Fourth State of Prayer. Earnest Exhortations ...
... 9. O my Jesus, what a sight that must be"a soul so highly exalted falling into sin,
and raised up again by Thee; who, in Thy mercy, stretchest forth Thine ...
/.../teresa/the life of st teresa of jesus/chapter xix the effects of.htm

Against those who Object Because the Devil Has not Been Put Out of ...
... And hands were given thee that thou mayest stretch them forth unto prayer. But if
thou are not wary, thou stretchest them out unto covetousness. ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily ii against those who.htm

The Foundation of the House of St. Joseph. The Observation of Holy ...
... loves Thee, O my God, travels safely by the open and royal road, far away from the
precipice: he has scarcely stumbled at all, when Thou stretchest forth Thy ...
/.../teresa/the life of st teresa of jesus/chapter xxxv the foundation of.htm

1 John ii. 27-iii. 8
... For just as, if thou wouldest fill a bag, [2214] and knowest how great the thing
is that shall be given, thou stretchest the opening of the sack or the skin ...
/.../ten homilies on the epistle of john to the parthians/homily iv 1 john ii.htm

Stretchest (4 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Stretchest (4 Occurrences). ... Job 11:13 If thou preparest
thy heart, and stretchest out thy hands towards him; (WBS). ...
/s/stretchest.htm - 7k

Stretches (14 Occurrences)

/s/stretches.htm - 10k

Stretcheth (33 Occurrences)

/s/stretcheth.htm - 16k

Whilst (21 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Acts 4:30 whilst Thou stretchest out Thine arm to cure men, and to give signs
and marvels through the name of Thy holy Servant Jesus." (WEY). ...
/w/whilst.htm - 12k

Marvels (21 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Acts 4:30 whilst Thou stretchest out Thine arm to cure men, and to give signs
and marvels through the name of Thy holy Servant Jesus." (WEY). ...
/m/marvels.htm - 12k

Preparest (10 Occurrences)
... Job 11:13 If thou preparest thy heart, and stretchest out thy hands towards him;
(WBS). Psalms 10:17 The desire of the humble Thou hast heard, O Jehovah. ...
/p/preparest.htm - 9k

Coverest (3 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Psalms 104:2 Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment: who
stretchest out the heavens like a curtain: (KJV JPS ASV WBS RSV). ...
/c/coverest.htm - 7k

Cure (28 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Acts 4:30 whilst Thou stretchest out Thine arm to cure men, and to give signs
and marvels through the name of Thy holy Servant Jesus." (WEY). ...
/c/cure.htm - 17k

Arm (110 Occurrences)
... Acts 4:30 whilst Thou stretchest out Thine arm to cure men, and to give signs
and marvels through the name of Thy holy Servant Jesus." (WEY). ...
/a/arm.htm - 42k

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