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Jan 9, 2006
A Mighty Hand and Outstretched Arm
From: The Hand and Arm of the Lord
http://www.bridgesforpeace.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1966
Psalm 136:12 ... with a mighty hand and outstretched arm; His love endures forever.
Have you ever wondered what the phrase mighty hand and outstretched arm means?
In the Bible, the arm is a symbol of strength and power. In ancient times, emphasis was placed upon the accomplishments of human arms. Since God is omnipotent, the arm of God is frequently referred to as a symbol of His might, as in Yahwehs question addressed to Job, Have you an arm like God, and can you thunder with a voice like His? (Job 40:9). Luke 1:51 clearly shows this strength analogy when Mary says, He has shown strength with His arm . The Psalmist declares, You scattered Your enemies with Your mighty arm (Ps. 89:10).
Likewise, the hand, which is used in the Bible more than any other part of the body, is also used in relation to power or position, e.g., Behold, the Lord God will come with a strong hand, and His arm will rule for Him (Isa. 40:10). The word hand includes not only the agile fingers and the palm, but also the wrist (Gen. 41:42). The finger implies dexterity (Ps. 8:3). Remember, it was the finger of God that wrote the tablets of the Ten Commandments (Ex. 31:18; Dt. 9:10), as well as the writing on the wall of King Nebuchadnezzar that was interpreted by Daniel (Dan 5). The inclusion of the wrist as part of the hand is important when we consider the New Testament account of the crucifixion of Yeshua (Jesus). It should be noted that when someone was killed by crucifixion, the nails were placed in the wrist, between the bones of the forearms, in order to hold the body on a cross. In the Bible, because the hand includes the wrist area, the translation of hand for the placement of the crucifixion nails is not a contradiction to the actual act of crucifixion, e.g., when Yeshua refers to the nail prints in His hands (Lk. 24:39, 40).
These scriptures really highlight the strength and power of this phrase "mighty hand and outstretched arm". Put that together with the idea in Psalm 136 that this love, power & strength endures forever - WOW!
Isaiah 41:10 So 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.
Psalm 63:8 My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me.
Ezra 8:22 ... The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to Him ...
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Thank You Lord for Your enduring love; for Your mighty hand and outstretched arm. Help each of us cling to You. Thank You Lord that as we cling to You, Your gracious hand is upon us, upholding us. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Scripture References:
Gen 41:42; Ps 8:3; Ex 31:18; Dt 9:10; Dan 5; Luke 24:39, 40
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Gen%2041:42;%20Ps%208:3;%20Ex%2031:18;%20Dt%209:10;%20Dan%205;%20Luke%2024:39,%2040&version=31;
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Jan 9, 2006
A Mighty Hand and Outstretched Arm
From: The Hand and Arm of the Lord
http://www.bridgesforpeace.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=1966
Psalm 136:12 ... with a mighty hand and outstretched arm; His love endures forever.
Have you ever wondered what the phrase mighty hand and outstretched arm means?
In the Bible, the arm is a symbol of strength and power. In ancient times, emphasis was placed upon the accomplishments of human arms. Since God is omnipotent, the arm of God is frequently referred to as a symbol of His might, as in Yahwehs question addressed to Job, Have you an arm like God, and can you thunder with a voice like His? (Job 40:9). Luke 1:51 clearly shows this strength analogy when Mary says, He has shown strength with His arm . The Psalmist declares, You scattered Your enemies with Your mighty arm (Ps. 89:10).
Likewise, the hand, which is used in the Bible more than any other part of the body, is also used in relation to power or position, e.g., Behold, the Lord God will come with a strong hand, and His arm will rule for Him (Isa. 40:10). The word hand includes not only the agile fingers and the palm, but also the wrist (Gen. 41:42). The finger implies dexterity (Ps. 8:3). Remember, it was the finger of God that wrote the tablets of the Ten Commandments (Ex. 31:18; Dt. 9:10), as well as the writing on the wall of King Nebuchadnezzar that was interpreted by Daniel (Dan 5). The inclusion of the wrist as part of the hand is important when we consider the New Testament account of the crucifixion of Yeshua (Jesus). It should be noted that when someone was killed by crucifixion, the nails were placed in the wrist, between the bones of the forearms, in order to hold the body on a cross. In the Bible, because the hand includes the wrist area, the translation of hand for the placement of the crucifixion nails is not a contradiction to the actual act of crucifixion, e.g., when Yeshua refers to the nail prints in His hands (Lk. 24:39, 40).
These scriptures really highlight the strength and power of this phrase "mighty hand and outstretched arm". Put that together with the idea in Psalm 136 that this love, power & strength endures forever - WOW!
Isaiah 41:10 So 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.
Psalm 63:8 My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me.
Ezra 8:22 ... The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to Him ...
___________
___________
Thank You Lord for Your enduring love; for Your mighty hand and outstretched arm. Help each of us cling to You. Thank You Lord that as we cling to You, Your gracious hand is upon us, upholding us. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Scripture References:
Gen 41:42; Ps 8:3; Ex 31:18; Dt 9:10; Dan 5; Luke 24:39, 40
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Gen%2041:42;%20Ps%208:3;%20Ex%2031:18;%20Dt%209:10;%20Dan%205;%20Luke%2024:39,%2040&version=31;
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