We’ll focus on memorizing only one verse this week, Psalm 121:5. Join us if you can!
The “right hand” is mentioned over 160 times in the Bible. What does it mean? The right hand signified strength and a place of authority (for example, Christ is at the “right hand” of God interceding for us, Romans 8:34).
The right hand was also the hand used for blessing other people. (Remember when Jacob crossed hands and blessed the younger child, Ephraim, with his right hand instead of the older child, Manasseh, Genesis 48:14).
“The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade on your right hand.”
Psalm 121:5 (ESV)
As we rest in verse 5 this week, let’s thank God for being our shade of both strength and blessing.
What does the Lord’s “right hand” mean to you? Please leave a comment here or visit our Hide His Word Facebook group to continue the conversation.
I’m so thankful for the encouragement to dig into the meaning of what we are memorizing!
Thanks, Michele. I’m grateful we have such easy tools at our fingertips to dig deeper! What an amazing time of information we live in. God blesses each generation in such wonderful ways.
Yes I’ve started typing this up. How luxurious to have a whole week for one verse!
I like the rhythm of the Hebrew:
http://biblehub.com/text/psalms/121-5.htm
That “your shade on your right hand” is a slightly strange phrase. References to “my right” always make me thing of weaponry (dieu et mon droit, etc). There’s a solidity as well, after the foot in verse 3.
Thanks for sharing that link to the Hebrew breakdown, David. (It’s interesting to me to see all the nouns and only one verb. That feels very solid as well.) Hand and foot…His protection is for all parts of us. Nice connection you made!
English language might not always share the nuances or deep meanings of words used .Some other bible translations show the deeper meaning to Psalms 121:5 In Finnish Bible it is translated this way : “He is your Protective Shadow .HE IS YOUR GUARDIAN.HE WILL NOT STEP AWAY from your side.” The English Word ” On your Right hand ” is translated as” being by your side”. God is always close by…Just like our hands are. He will not step away and leave you………..it is so powerful to think, that GOD himself is our Protective Shadow. We are so close to Him .He is so close to us and that His Shadow is cast upon us and He will not go so far that we miss the shadow. He keeps us under His shadow . This is a very powerful Word and PROMISE from God. We must never forget it. My heart is singing today…this Word is so wonderful and it brings deep Joy to my heart.