Hand

The right hand denoted the south, and the left the north ( Job 23:9; 1 Samuel 23:19 ). To give the right hand was a pledge of fidelity (2 Kings 10:15; Ezra 10:19 ); also of submission to the victors (Ezekiel 17:18; Jeremiah 50:15 ). The right hand was lifted up in taking an oath (Genesis 14:22 , etc.). The hand is frequently mentioned, particularly the right hand, as a symbol of power and strength (Psalm 60:5; Isaiah 28:2 ). To kiss the hand is an act of homage (1 Kings 19:18; Job 31:27 ), and to pour water on one's hands is to serve him (2 Kings 3:11 ). The hand of God is the symbol of his power: its being upon one denotes favour (Ezra 7:6,28; Isaiah 1:25; Luke 1:66 , etc.) or punishment (Exodus 9:3; Judges 2:15; Acts 13:11 , etc.). A position at the right hand was regarded as the chief place of honour and power (Psalm 45:9; 80:17; 110:1; Matthew 26:64 ).