God’s right hand

A good friend of mine who is an Old Testament scholar gave this whimsical reply when I asked him what the significance of the right hand is in the Bible. “As a left-hander, I am sorry to have to say that the right hand is the preferred one and the right side of someone is the preferred position. It also has to be said that, as in many languages, the Hebrew word translated “right” also has the meaning of ‘correct,’ or ‘upright.’ (Boo-hoo). So for God to care for you with his right hand is for him to give you the very best help he is capable of.

The right hand is mentioned in the Bible up to 137 times. It is used when describing God’s power, strength, and sovereignty. As a result, the right hand in the Bible is a symbol of power, authority, strength, and protection. The Old Testament Scripture verses below illustrate God promises to deliver the Israelites from their enemies, to be with them amid their trial, to strengthen them, help them to persevere and ultimately deliver them from their adversaries.

¹⁰So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

¹¹“All who rage against you
    will surely be ashamed and disgraced;
those who oppose you
    will be as nothing and perish.
¹²Though you search for your enemies,
    you will not find them.
Those who wage war against you
    will be as nothing at all.
¹³For I am the Lord your God
    who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
    I will help you.

(Isaiah 41:10-13, NIV)

New Testament writers proclaim that Jesus is seated at the right hand of God, which is a place of great power, honor, and authority. The apostle Paul writes,

¹⁹and his (God’s) incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength ²⁰he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, ²¹far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. (Ephesians 1:19-21, NIV).

The human hand, whether it be the right or the left hand is a powerful testament to the amazing detail of God’s creation. The human hand has 27 bones: 8 wrist bones, 5 palm bones and 14 digit bones.

Each bone is shaped and strategically located to provide support, flexibility, and dexterity along with articulation with nerves, blood vessels, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. What a masterpiece!

Even God’s angels lift us up with their hands!

⁹If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,”
    and you make the Most High your dwelling,
¹⁰no harm will overtake you,
    no disaster will come near your tent.
¹¹For he will command his angels concerning you
    to guard you in all your ways;
¹²they will lift you up in their hands,
    so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

(Psalm 91:9-12, NIV)

Click on the YouTube link below and sing along in worship!

“Be Alright” – Evan Craft, Redimi2, Danny Gokey