RIGHT AND LEFT
The concept of the right and left hand in the Bible holds significant symbolic meaning, reflecting various aspects of authority, honor, strength, and moral goodness. Here are the key points:
Authority and Honor
– Right Hand of God: Jesus sits at the right hand of God, signifying His equal position, honor, power, and authority with God: “and what is the surpassing greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the exercise of his great might, which he worked in Christ, raising him from the dead and seating him at his right hand in the heavens” (Eph 1:19-20).
– Prime Minister or Queen: The one who sits at the right hand of the supreme head is the second in command, like a prime minister or a queen: “Daughters of kings are your lovely wives; a princess arrayed in Ophir’s gold comes to stand at your right hand” (Ps 45:10).
– Honorary Seat: John, whom Jesus loved, sat on the right side of Jesus during the Last Supper: “One of his disciples, the one whom Jesus loved, was reclining at Jesus’ side” (Jn 13:23).
Righteous Deeds and Strength
– Charitable Acts: People do charitable acts with the right hand. Jesus said, “But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing” (Mt 6:3).
– Strength: Since most people are right-handed, the right hand is conventionally stronger than the left, and thus it symbolizes strength: “Your right hand, LORD, magnificent in power, your right hand, LORD, shattered the enemy” (Ex 15:6).
Blessing and Moral Goodness
– Blessing: The ancient patriarchs blessed their children and grandchildren with their right hand. For example, while blessing the two sons of Joseph, Jacob placed his right hand on Ephraim as the favored one: “But Israel stretched out his right hand and laid it on the head of Ephraim, though he was the younger, and his left hand on the head of Manasseh, crossing his hands, for Manasseh was the firstborn” (Gen 48:14).
– Moral Goodness: The right stands for moral goodness, while the left stands for the immoral or sinful. “The heart of the wise leans toward the right, but the heart of a fool toward the left” (Eccl 10:2).
The Left Hand
– Third in Command: The left can also be an honorary or powerful position. In the royal court, the one who sits at the left of the monarch shall be the third in command after the one who sits on the right side. Zebedee’s sons approached Jesus with the request: “They said to him, ‘Grant that in your glory we may sit one at your right and the other at your left’” (Mk 10:37).
REFLECTION
The symbolism of the right and left hand in the Bible serves as a reminder of the importance of living a life of moral goodness, righteousness, and strength. As Christians, we are called to emulate Jesus, who sits at the right hand of God, and to strive for a life of honor, authority, and charitable deeds. By understanding these symbolic meanings, we can deepen our appreciation for the biblical narrative and its teachings. Let us live our lives with the strength of the right hand, performing righteous deeds and seeking to be at the right hand of God through our actions and faith.