The Bible frequently makes reference to the “right hand” of God. This biblical imagery underscores certain attributes of God’s nature and work. By exploring the significance behind this metaphor, we can better appreciate the intended meaning and theological importance.
First, the right hand is often associated with strength, power, and authority. To be at someone’s right hand was to occupy the place of honor and prominence. Kings would seat their most trusted advisors at their right side. And warriors would wield weapons in their dominant hand. So for God to work by His right hand conveys His supreme might and sovereignty (Exodus 15:6, Psalm 118:15-16).
Secondly, the right hand represents direction and guidance. Shepherds would use their staffs held in the right hand to lead their flocks where they wanted them to go. When Scripture speaks of God’s right hand leading or upholding His people, it highlights how He sovereignly charts their path (Psalm 73:23-24, Isaiah 41:10).
Thirdly, the right hand was seen as the hand of blessing. Jacob blessed Joseph’s youngest son with his right hand (Genesis 48:14). And parents would often place their right hand on a child’s head in blessing. So God’s right hand being upon someone illustrates His active favor (Mark 10:37, Psalm 80:17).
Fourthly, sitting at the right hand was a position of glory, honor, and ultimate victory. Psalm 110 prophesies that the Messiah would be invited to sit at the right hand of God in triumph over all His enemies. After His sacrificial death and resurrection, Christ ascended to this exalted place of supremacy (Hebrews 12:2).
Fifthly, the right hand is the hand of justice and righteousness. Because most people are right-handed, the right hand was used to take oaths, enact justice, and carry out righteous judgment (Isaiah 62:8, Psalm 17:7, Psalm 48:10). God’s right hand upholds what is just and true.
So in summary, this important biblical metaphor teaches us several key truths about God:
- He is all-powerful and supremely authoritative.
- He guides and directs His people.
- He actively blesses those who follow Him.
- He is glorified and victoriously reigns.
- He dispenses perfect justice and righteousness.
By using this vivid imagery of the right hand, the biblical writers capture our attention and cause us to think deeply on who God is and what He does. He is not distant or passive, but intensely strong, personal, and involved. Scripture stresses this important symbol to help us know the Lord more intimately as we relate to Him.
Now let’s explore some key examples of where this imagery appears and what we can learn about God in each case:
1. The Right Hand of God’s Power
One of the most frequent associations with God’s right hand is that of power, strength, and military might:
“Your right hand, O Lord, shattered the enemy.” (Exodus 15:6)
“The right hand of the Lord does valiantly, the right hand of the Lord exalts.” (Psalm 118:15-16)
“See, the Lord God comes with might, and his arm rules for him.” (Isaiah 40:10)
By using the metaphor of the dominant hand, Scripture highlights the supreme power and valor of God. He effortlessly crushes His foes and delivers His people. Even the “arm” of the Lord conveys this same idea of formidable potency.
When God acts by His right hand, enemies are routed and victories are won. He is strong to save His own and bring judgment on the wicked. No earthly force can match the maxed-out muscle of the Almighty. His hand is unequaled in ability to accomplish His will.
This image would have resonated deeply with ancient readers accustomed to hand-to-hand combat. Soldiers urgently needed to know their Commander was unstoppably mighty. And believers today can have full confidence in God’s raw power to handle any challenge confronting us.
God’s right hand also upholds and sustains the world He made:
“My own hand laid the foundations of the earth, and my right hand spread out the heavens.” (Isaiah 48:13)
Not only did God construct the universe through His wisdom and power, but He now actively maintains it by the unceasing energy of His right hand. Christ the Son eternally radiates this divine power to preserve the natural order (Hebrews 1:3).
No wonder Scripture urges us to find refuge under the shadow of His wings (Psalm 36:7, Psalm 57:1). The omnipotent hand that shapes galaxies is also intimately shielding His beloved flock. Where else could we find such perfect protection and provision?
2. The Right Hand of God’s Guidance
Another key function of the right hand is guiding and leading God’s people where He wants them to go. Shepherds would use their staffs held in the right hand to direct their flocks:
“He led them by the right hand of Moses.” (Isaiah 63:12)
“You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psalm 73:23-26)
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
God does not merely exercise raw power, but skillfully guides its application. Using the picture of a shepherd’s staff, Scripture highlights the Lord’s personal involvement in charting our paths.
He leads with purpose and clear direction. Even when we feel lost and disoriented, we can trust God’s right hand is upon us. He will safely navigate us through seasons of hardship and uncertainty into abundant pasture.
The Almighty who effortlessly marshals the stars also gently leads wounded lambs. His mighty right hand is not too big to handle our small lives. He wants us to grasp how intimately He oversees each step we take. There is no such thing as aimless wandering with the Shepherd’s grip upon us.
3. The Right Hand of God’s Blessing
To bless someone with the right hand conveyed special favor and prosperity:
“But Israel reached out his right hand and laid it on the head of Ephraim, who was the younger, and his left hand on Manasseh’s head, crossing his hands, for Manasseh was the firstborn.” (Genesis 48:14)
“Let your hand rest on the man at your right hand, the son of man you have raised up for yourself. Then we will not turn away from you; revive us, and we will call on your name.” (Psalm 80:17-18)
“Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right hand in your kingdom.” (Matthew 20:21)
When God’s right hand is upon someone, it vividly conveys His active blessings and favor. This is not some passive divine endorsement, but intimate sharing in God’s strength and righteousness.
To have the LORD Himself place His mighty hand upon us in benediction is the highest honor and joy imaginable. Though unworthy, we are appointed to share in Christ’s inheritance by the gracious conferring of the Father (Ephesians 1:11).
But this blessing is not just positional. Scripture makes clear God’s right hand provides real spiritual enrichment and empowerment. We desperately need the active touch of His grace to revive and sustain us. Only through His overflow can we bear kingdom fruit.
4. The Right Hand of God’s Exaltation
Sitting at someone’s right hand was a position of supreme honor, authority, and favor. Christ now occupies this place of preeminence:
“The Lord says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.” (Psalm 110:1)
“When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.” (Hebrews 1:3)
No created being could rightfully share God’s central throne. But Christ the Son fully shares the Father’s perfections and thus sits enthroned as our reigning King and great High Priest.
This royal position belongs to Jesus alone as the uniquely beloved Son. His glorification consummates cosmic history and puts all rivals under His feet. Even death itself is defeated and forced to bow.
And amazingly, Scripture says believers are also spiritually seated with Christ in this heavenly domain (Ephesians 2:6). His magnificent triumph becomes ours by faith. United to the King of Kings, we inherit a far greater portion than we could ever deserve or imagine.
5. The Right Hand of God’s Justice
Executing justice and making oaths were also administered with the right hand:
“Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness, you who seek the Lord: Look to the rock from which you were cut and to the quarry from which you were hewn; look to Abraham, your father, and to Sarah, who gave you birth. When I called him he was only one man, and I blessed him and made him many. The Lord will surely comfort Zion and will look with compassion on all her ruins; he will make her deserts like Eden, her wastelands like the garden of the Lord. Joy and gladness will be found in her, thanksgiving and the sound of singing. Listen to me, my people; hear me, my nation: Instruction will go out from me; my justice will become a light to the nations. My righteousness draws near speedily, my salvation is on the way, and my arm will bring justice to the nations. The islands will look to me and wait in hope for my arm.” (Isaiah 51:1-5)
“I have not hidden your deliverance within my heart; I have spoken, and I have fully declared my grace and power to the great assembly.” (Psalm 40:10)
Though God patiently waits to bring His full justice to fruition, He has pledged to make all wrongs right. His righteous right hand is not slack concerning His promises. It administers justice and salvation with perfect equity.
Those who oppress and exploit will ultimately pay full measure. But those who look to the LORD need not fear they will be overlooked. God’s reckoning is flawless. He clearly discerns every deed and intention.
The righteous Judge misses nothing as He patiently gathers evidence. But when the day of wrath comes, His swift right hand settles every account. This is our great comfort and hope as we witness injustice and cry out for vindication.
Conclusion
When used symbolically, the right hand of God represents His supreme power and authority. It conveys how God mightily brings salvation to His people and just retribution against the wicked. Though the Almighty certainly could use either hand interchangeably, the imagery drives home an important point.
God acts with purpose and intent on our behalf. He engages personally in upholding the righteous and vanquishing evil. His right hand is skilled, strong, and sovereign over every adversary. Even death and Satan are forced to bow before the Conqueror’s might and majesty.
This vivid biblical metaphor also stresses God’s intimate involvement in shepherding His flock. He actively guides, blesses, and protects us. The One who effortlessly directs celestial bodies also charts the steps of each believer.
In summary, this important symbol underscores God’s power, guidance, blessing, exaltation, and justice. By describing Him in familiar human terms, Scripture helps us know the Lord more intimately and place unshakable confidence in His purposes of love.
