Have you ever wondered why there are so many “right hand” references in the Bible?
In some cultures the right hand is the designated hand for showing respect, generosity or blessing. When a gift is given, it is given with the right hand. Likewise, the proper way to accept a gift is to receive it with the right hand. Never with the left hand.
Some cultures take this one step further and strictly designate the right hand for “clean” or “sacred” purposes such as eating, performing worship rituals or blessing somebody while the left hand is designated for “unclean” or “unholy” tasks.
I, like the majority of people that inhabit our planet, am right-handed. My right hand is my dominant hand, the one I use the most, the one that is most reliable and efficient. If you’re left-handed, then that is your dominant hand. “Right hand” references in the Bible refer unmistakably to “dominant hand traits” such as strength, authority, intent, etc. They are certainly not a statement that God prefers right over left. The focus is on what the dominant hand represents.
Blessing
The first time we see the significance of the right hand in the Bible, is in Genesis 48:17-19 when Joseph takes his twins Mannaseh and Ephraim to his father Israel (Jacob) to be blessed. Traditionally, the firstborn received the bigger blessing, but Israel chose to place his right hand on the younger instead, and give him the greater blessing. The right hand was symbolic of intent/deliberate choice in passing on special blessing.
Readiness
In Judges 7:20, in battle, Gideon’s three companies blew the trumpets and smashed the jars. “Grasping the torches in their left hands and holding in their right hands the trumpets they were to blow, they shouted, “A sword for the Lord and for Gideon!” The right hand reference here points to readiness.
Honor and privilege
Sitting at someone’s right hand was a position of honor. Serving at one’s right hand was a privilege.
There are many specific references to God’s right hand in the Bible.
Power
In Exodus, God’s right hand is referred to as being “majestic in power,” shattering the enemy.
The Psalms are full of right hand references.
Stability
“With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” (Ps. 6:8)
Joy and Reward
“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” (Ps. 16:11)
Salvation and Refuge
“Show me the wonders of your great love, you who save by your right hand those who take refuge in you from their foes.” (Ps. 17:7)
Security, Sustenance and Preservation
“You make your saving help my shield, and your right hand sustains me; your help has made me great.” (Ps. 18:35)
And then there are references to my right hand.
“You hold me by my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory.” (Psalm 73:21-24)
While the right hand is symbolic of blessing, protection, salvation, sustenance, stability, readiness, generosity, etc. it is clearly a symbol of actions that are well thought through, intentional, deliberate, certain and purposeful. It does not stand for anything that is an oversight, an accident, an unintended act.
It is an unmistakable fact that God is intentional in reaching out to us. He offers us connection, relationship and the ability to draw from Him so we can thrive the way we were meant to. And He gives us freedom to choose how we respond.
All we have to do is put our right hand in His!
~shini abraham, ©2015, duco divina – contemplative doodling
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