Throughout Scripture the right hand is used as a picture of strength and capability. A large portion of the world is right-handed, so most people resonate with the sense of dexterity, strength, and ability coming from the right hand versus the left.
However, when Scripture uses the image of God’s right hand, it is meant to be a picture of the pinnacle of strength and ability. In passages that specifies God’s right hand, strength is a key focus.
Here are some other instances in the Bible where God’s right hand touches the lives of His children:
Right Hand of God: Protection and Salvation
“For by their own sword they did not possess the land, and their own arm did not save them, but Your right hand and Your arm and the light of Your presence, for You favored them.” (Psalms 44:3)
“Wondrously show Your lovingkindness, O Savior of those who take refuge at Your right hand from those who rise up against them.” (Psalms 17:7)
“You have also given me the shield of Your salvation, and Your right hand upholds me; and Your gentleness makes me great.” (Psalms 18:35)
“Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven with the saving strength of His right hand. Some boast in chariots and some in horses, but we will boast in the name of the Lord, our God.” (Psalm 20:6-7)
Right Hand of God: Promise
One day, the enemies of our God will be put in their rightful place.
“The Lord says to my Lord: ‘Sit at My right hand until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.’” (Psalm 110:1)
The Holy Spirit is the seal of promise in our hearts, and it was only when Jesus went back to sit at the right hand of the Father that the way was made for the Holy Spirit’s ministry in our lives.
“This Jesus God raised up again, to which we are all witnesses. Therefore, having been exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured forth this which you both see and hear.” (Acts 2:32-33)
Our Lord Jesus, who loves us, sits at God’s right hand interceding on our behalf!
“Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.” (Romans 8:33-34)
Right Hand of God: Provision
“You will make known to me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forever.” (Psalms 16:11)
“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
As children of God, we can live in the joy of knowing God’s right hand of protection, promise, and provision rests on us. While there are times we might not understand all God is (or isn’t) doing, the essence of our faith is trusting His heart until we can again discern His fingerprints.
“Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you will revive me; You will stretch forth Your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and Your right hand will save me. The Lord will accomplish what concerns me; your lovingkindness, O Lord, is everlasting; do not forsake the works of Your hands.” (Psalm 138:7-8)
April Motl is a pastor’s wife, mom, and women’s ministry coordinator. Her love of words led her through a BA in linguistics and her love of God’s Word through a Master’s in Religious Studies. You can find more encouragement from her and her husband at MotlMinistries.org or checkout some of her available Bible Studies and devotionals on Amazon. Face to Face is a one month devotional highlighting the names of God if you’d like to dig into this topic further!
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