4933. The reason why the hands, arms, and shoulders correspond to power in the Grand Man is that the strength and powers of the whole body and of all its internal organs are linked to them, in that the body employs the arms and hands to exercise its strength and powers. This also is the reason why in the Word powers are meant by 'the hands', 'the arms', and 'the shoulders'. As regards 'the hands' having this meaning, see 878, 3387, and as regards 'the arms' meaning the same, this is evident from many places, such as the following,
Be their arm every morning. Isa 33:2.
The Lord Jehovih is coming with might, and His arm will exercise dominion for Him. Isa 40:10.
He works it by means of His arm of strength. Isa 44:12.
My arms will judge the peoples. Isa 51:5.
Put on strength, O arm of Jehovah. Isa 51:9.
I looked around, and there was no helper, therefore My own arm brought salvation to Me. Isa 63:5.
Cursed is he who trusts in man (homo) and makes flesh his arm. Jer 17:5.
I have made the earth, man, and beast, by My great strength and by My outstretched arm. Jer 27:5; 32:17.
The horn of Moab has been cut off and his arm broken. Jer 48:25.
I am breaking the arms of the king of Egypt, but I will strengthen the arms of the king of Babel. Ezek 30:22, 24, 25.
O Jehovah, break the arm of the wicked. Ps 10:15.
According to the greatness of Your arm preserve those who are appointed to die.a Ps 79:11.
They were brought out of Egypt by a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Deut 7:19; 11:2, 3; 26:8; Jer 32:21; Ps 136:12.
From these places it may also be recognized that by the right hand in the Word superior power is meant, and by 'sitting on the right hand of Jehovah' almighty power, Matt 26:63, 64; Luke 22:69; Mark 14:61, 62; 16:19.
This page is part of 
© 2000-2001 The Academy of the New Church