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Revelation 13:16-17-He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, 17 and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
One of the interesting things about the Book of Revelation deals with the mark of the beast. Without going into (much) detail about the identity of the beast, consider with me here the significance of the “right hand” throughout the Bible.
In the Old Testament, the idea of the right hand was used symbolically to describe many important characteristics.
Sometimes, the idea of the right hand is of strength and blessing in various forms. The Old Testament sometimes used the right hand to indicate the idea of pronouncing blessing and loyalty. One powerful example of this is from the Book of Genesis:
Genesis 48:14-18-14 Then Israel stretched out his right hand and laid it on Ephraim’s head, who was the younger, and his left hand on Manasseh’s head, guiding his hands knowingly, for Manasseh was the firstborn. 15 And he blessed Joseph, and said: “God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, The God who has fed me all my life long to this day, 16 The Angel who has redeemed me from all evil, Bless the lads; Let my name be named upon them, And the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; And let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.” 17 Now when Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand on the head of Ephraim, it displeased him; so he took hold of his father’s hand to remove it from Ephraim’s head to Manasseh’s head. 18 And Joseph said to his father, “Not so, my father, for this one is the firstborn; put your right hand on his head.”
Observe what happens in this passage. Joseph brings his children to his father, Jacob, so that Jacob will bless them through prayer and laying on of hands. In the Bible, laying on of hands and praying is often linked together as a common occurrence.
For example:
Matthew 19:13-15-13 Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. 14 But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” 15 And He laid His hands on them and departed from there.
Mark 10:16-And He took them up in His arms, laid His hands on them, and blessed them.
However, Joseph is upset here because his father had placed his right hand on Ephraim while praying. The placing of the right hand on the firstborn indicated greater blessing. In this case, however, Jacob placed his right hand on the younger son, which was very troubling to Joseph.
The right hand also indicated blessing and favor, and other passages suggest this same idea:
Psalm 16:11-You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 44:3-For they did not gain possession of the land by their own sword, Nor did their own arm save them; But it was Your right hand, Your arm, and the light of Your countenance, Because You favored them.
Psalm 45:9-Kings’ daughters are among Your honorable women; At Your right hand stands the queen in gold from Ophir.
Again, in the Old Testament, the idea of the “right hand” denoted strength and loyalty. It often is found in contexts where the “right hand” of God has brought deliverance to His people, exemplifying both His loyal love and His great power. Notice some examples, paying special attention to the ideas of strength and loyalty:
Exodus 15:6-“Your right hand, O LORD, has become glorious in power; Your right hand, O LORD, has dashed the enemy in pieces.
Exodus 15:12-You stretched out Your right hand; The earth swallowed them.
Deuteronomy 33:2-And he said: “The LORD came from Sinai, And dawned on them from Seir; He shone forth from Mount Paran, And He came with ten thousands of saints; From His right hand Came a fiery law for them.
Job 40:14-Then I will also confess to you That your own right hand can save you.
Psalm 16:8-I have set the LORD always before me; Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.
Psalm 17:7-Show Your marvelous lovingkindness by Your right hand, O You who save those who trust in You From those who rise up against them.
Psalm 18:35-You have also given me the shield of Your salvation; Your right hand has held me up, Your gentleness has made me great.
Psalm 20:6-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.
Psalm 63:8-My soul follows close behind You; Your right hand upholds me.
Psalm 80:15-And the vineyard which Your right hand has planted, And the branch that You made strong for Yourself.
Psalm 98:1-Oh, sing to the LORD a new song! For He has done marvelous things; His right hand and His holy arm have gained Him the victory.
Psalm 108:6-That Your beloved may be delivered, Save with Your right hand, and hear me.
Psalm 138:7-Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand Against the wrath of my enemies, And Your right hand will save me.
Isaiah 41:10-Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’
Adding all of this together, we see that those who take the “mark” on their right hand are those who have committed themselves to the beast with unyielding devotion. Nothing will deter them from serving the beast!
Are we fully devoted to Christ and His Word?
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen.