Topical Encyclopedia The act of lifting hands in praise is a significant expression of worship and reverence found throughout the Bible. This gesture symbolizes surrender, adoration, and a physical manifestation of prayer and praise to God. It is an outward expression of an inward posture of the heart, reflecting humility, dependence, and devotion to the Almighty.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, the lifting of hands is often associated with prayer and supplication. One of the earliest references is found in the Psalms, where David writes, "Hear my cry for mercy when I call to You for help, when I lift up my hands toward Your holy sanctuary" (Psalm 28:2). This verse illustrates the connection between the physical act of raising hands and the spiritual act of seeking God's presence and assistance. The practice is also evident in the context of worship and blessing. In Leviticus 9:22, Aaron lifts his hands toward the people and blesses them, signifying the transmission of God's favor and grace. Similarly, in Psalm 63:4, David declares, "So I will bless You as long as I live; in Your name I will lift my hands." Here, the lifting of hands is an act of blessing and a declaration of lifelong devotion to God. New Testament Context The New Testament continues this tradition, emphasizing the importance of purity and sincerity in worship. In 1 Timothy 2:8, Paul instructs, "Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger or dissension." This directive underscores the necessity of a pure heart and unity among believers when engaging in the act of lifting hands in prayer. The gesture is also seen in the context of praise and thanksgiving. In Luke 24:50, Jesus lifts His hands to bless His disciples before His ascension, demonstrating the continuity of this practice as a means of imparting blessing and expressing divine favor. Symbolism and Significance The lifting of hands in praise is rich with symbolic meaning. It represents an offering of oneself to God, a gesture of openness and receptivity to His will. It is an acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and a demonstration of trust in His power and provision. The act of raising hands can also signify victory and triumph, as seen in Exodus 17:11, where Moses' raised hands lead to Israel's victory over the Amalekites. Furthermore, the lifting of hands is a communal act, often performed in corporate worship settings, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose among believers. It serves as a visual reminder of the collective worship and adoration directed toward God. Practical Application For contemporary believers, the practice of lifting hands in praise remains a powerful expression of worship. It encourages a posture of humility and surrender, inviting the presence of God into the worship experience. Whether in private devotion or corporate worship, lifting hands can enhance one's spiritual connection and deepen the sense of awe and reverence for the Creator. In summary, the lifting of hands in praise is a biblically rooted practice that transcends cultural and historical contexts. It is a timeless expression of worship that continues to inspire and unite believers in their pursuit of a deeper relationship with God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 134:2Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the LORD. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Last visit. Psalm LXIII. And He Spake a Parable unto those which were Bidden There... That in the Passion and the Sign of the Cross is all virtue and ... The Gateway into the Kingdom. Psalm 106 The Women of the Gospel Narrative the Study of the Early Christian ... Nun. The Last Words of the Old and New Testaments Fragrant Spices from the Mountains of Myrrh. "Thou Art all Fair ... Resources Should we raise our hands/clap our hands during worship? | GotQuestions.orgLaying on of hands - what does the Bible say? | GotQuestions.org Why did Jesus say, “Into your hands I commit my spirit,” on the cross? | GotQuestions.org Hands: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics The Hands of the Wicked, Described as Bloody The Hands of the Wicked, Described as Ensnaring to Themselves The Hands of the Wicked, Described as Mischievous The Hands of the Wicked, Described as Slothful The Hands of the Wicked, Described as Violent The Hands were Lifted up in Blessing The Hands were Lifted up in Praise The Hands were Lifted up in Prayer The Hands were Lifted up in Taking an Oath The Hands were Washed in Token of Innocency The Hands were Washed: After Touching an Unclean Person The Hands were Washed: Before Eating The Hands: (Cutting off) of Extreme Self-Denial The Hands: (Lifted up Against Another) of Rebellion The Hands: (Opened) Liberality The Hands: (Shut) Illiberality The Hands: Clapped Together in Joy The Hands: Criminals often: Bound By The Hands: Criminals often: Deprived of The Hands: Criminals often: Hung By The Hands: Criminals often: Mutilated In The Hands: Custom of Domestics Pouring Water Upon, Alluded To The Hands: Distinguished as The Left The Hands: Distinguished as The Right The Hands: Imposition of, a First Principle of the Doctrine of Christ The Hands: Imposition of, Used in Blessing The Hands: Imposition of, Used in Conferring Civil Power The Hands: Imposition of, Used in Imparting the Gifts of the Holy Spirit The Hands: Imposition of, Used in Ordaining Ministers The Hands: Imposition of, Used in Setting Apart the Levites The Hands: Imposition of, Used in Transferring Guilt of Sacrifices The Hands: Kissed in Idolatrous Worship The Hands: Many Alike Expert With Both The Hands: Many had More Command of the Left The Hands: Necessary Members of the Body The Hands: Often Spread out in Prayer The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Feeling The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Holding The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Making Signs The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Striking The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Taking The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Working The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Writing The Hands: Parts of, Mentioned: The Fingers The Hands: Parts of, Mentioned: The Palm The Hands: Parts of, Mentioned: The Thumb The Hands: Placed Under the Thigh of a Person to Whom an Oath Was Made The Hands: Right Hand of Strength and Power The Hands: Right Hand: (Full of Bribes) of Corruption The Hands: Right Hand: (Full of Falsehood) of Deceitfulness The Hands: Right Hand: (Holding By) of Support The Hands: Right Hand: (Standing At) Protection The Hands: Right Hand: (Withdrawn) Support Withheld The Hands: Saints Blessed in the Work of The Hands: Servants Directed by Movements of The Hands: should be Employed in Acts of Benevolence The Hands: should be Employed in God's Service The Hands: should be Employed: Industriously The Hands: Smitten Together in Extreme Anger The Hands: Stretched out in Derision The Hands: Suretiship Entered Into by Striking The Hands: The Jews Carried a Staff In, when Walking The Hands: The Right Hand of Healed Leper Touched With Blood of his Sacrifice The Hands: The Right Hand of Healed Leper Touched With Oil The Hands: The Right Hand of Priests Touched With Blood of Consecration-Ram The Hands: The Right Hand used in Embracing The Hands: The Right Hand: Given in Token of Friendship The Hands: The Right Hand: Place of Honor The Hands: The Right Hand: Place of Power The Hands: The Right Hand: Signet Worn On The Hands: The Right Hand: Sworn By The Hands: The Right Hand: The Accuser Stood At, of the Accused The Hands: The Wicked Recompensed for the Work of The Hands: Treaties Made by Joining Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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