As it is by this member of the body that we chiefly exert our strength, it is therefore used in Scripture for an emblem of power. Thus God is said to have delivered his people from Egyptian bondage "with a stretched-out arm," Deuteronomy 5:15; and he thus threatens Eli the high priest, "I will cut off thine arm, and the arm of thy father's house,"

1 Samuel 2:31; that is, I will deprive thee and thy family of power and authority.