Who Is God’S Right Hand Man? An Exploration Of Figures Often Considered God’S Right Hand

The concept of being God’s ‘right hand man’ is an interesting one that has biblical origins but has taken on additional meanings over time. For the curious reader, the idea invites exploration into figures that have been closely associated with carrying out God’s will on earth.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is often considered to be God’s right hand man, carrying out His father’s will on earth and redeeming humanity.

In this comprehensive article, we will examine the biblical roots of this concept, look at key figures throughout Judeo-Christian history that have been closely tied to God including Jesus, the archangels, Moses, Abraham, David, and the Holy Spirit, and analyze what it means to be called God’s ‘right hand’.

The Biblical Origins and Meaning of God’s ‘Right Hand’

The Literal Meaning

The phrase “right hand of God” originates in the Bible and refers both literally and figuratively to the place of honor, authority, and power next to God. Literally, it implies the right side or right hand of God’s throne, where the most honored guest would sit.

Figuratively, it refers to the chief agent God appoints to carry out His work on earth and wield divine authority. Throughout the Bible, we see different figures described as being seated at or acting through God’s right hand.

References in the Bible

There are over 70 references to God’s right hand in the Bible. Jesus ascended to the right hand of God after His resurrection and enthronement (Mark 16:19). Stephen saw Jesus standing at God’s right hand during his martyrdom (Acts 7:55-56).

Paul said Christ sat down at God’s right hand after completing His redemptive work (Ephesians 1:20). Peter declared that angels, authorities, and powers had been made subject to Christ by God’s right hand (1 Peter 3:22).

These and other verses establish Jesus Christ as the preeminent occupant of the position of highest honor and authority next to God.

In the Old Testament, we also see God’s right hand associated with places of honor or divine authority. The right hand of Moses performed miracles and mighty acts in delivering the Israelites from Egypt (Exodus 15:6, 12).

The psalmist declared that the right hand of the Lord does valiantly and is exalted in power (Psalm 118:15-16). Isaiah prophesied of the Messiah being upheld and sustained by God’s righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10).

Implications and Significance

The right hand is associated with strength, protection, salvation, and honor across many cultures even today. So Biblically, the right hand of God conveys His supreme power, authority, and capability to save. It represents the pinnacle of divine blessing.

To be at God’s right hand, whether figuratively or literally, means to occupy the most exalted place in the divine presence. For Jesus to be seated at God’s right hand means He has absolute sovereignty to rule, redeem, and judge as God’s appointed representative.

When Scripture speaks of angels, rulers, or saints at God’s right hand, it means they have a privileged status as honored instruments to carry out His will. But Christ alone holds the supreme place as the ruler of God’s kingdom under God Himself.

Seated at the Father’s right hand, Jesus wields all power and authority to reign over creation now and forever.

Jesus Christ – The Son of God Seated at the Right Hand

Jesus as Son of God

Jesus Christ is considered the Son of God in Christian theology. This is based on several passages in the New Testament that refer to Jesus as the “Son” and that indicate a unique relationship with God the Father.

For example, at Jesus’ baptism a voice from heaven declared, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). Jesus often referred to God as his Father, indicating an intimate connection. In the Gospel of John, Jesus states, “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30).

This close relationship as Father and Son reveals Jesus’ divine nature and identity.

Jesus’ sonship is also revealed through his miraculous power over nature, his authority to forgive sins, and his own resurrection from the dead. These demonstrate Jesus’ divine authority given to him as the Son of God.

As God’s Son, Jesus reveals God’s character and is the promised Messiah who fulfills Old Testament prophecies about a coming king from David’s line who would reign forever. Titles like “Son of God” and “Son of Man” given to Jesus in the Gospels show he is the fulfillment of these messianic prophecies.

Jesus’ Earthly Ministry

During his earthly ministry in the 1st century AD, Jesus of Nazareth preached the coming of God’s Kingdom and called people to repentance and faith in God. Jesus traveled through towns and villages teaching in synagogues, bringing healing to the sick, and performing miracles like calming a storm, feeding thousands from a small amount of food, and even raising the dead.

His authoritative teaching amazed people because he spoke as “one who had authority” rather than quoting other religious authorities like the scribes (Matthew 7:29).

Jesus also associated with outcasts like tax collectors, sinners, and even socialized with women, showing God’s grace and the inclusive nature of God’s Kingdom. He rebuked religious hypocrisy and corruption, which put him at odds with religious leaders who saw him as a threat.

But to regular people who felt marginalized, Jesus brought a message of hope, redemption, and reconciliation with God. Though persecuted by authorities who crucified him, Jesus rose from the dead, appearing to his disciples and commissioning them to take his message to the nations.

Exaltation at the Right Hand

After his resurrection, Jesus was exalted to the right hand of God, a position of power, authority, and honor. The Apostle Peter proclaimed on the day of Pentecost that God raised Jesus from the dead and “exalted him at his right hand” (Acts 2:32-33).

The book of Hebrews also says that after Jesus “made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high” (Hebrews 1:3). Being at God’s right hand indicates Jesus’ finished work of redemption and his elevation over all creation.

Sitting at God’s right hand also connects back to Psalm 110 where the prophesied Davidic king is invited to sit at the LORD God’s right hand. As both Messiah and the Son of God, Jesus fulfills this place of preeminence as the king who reigns until all enemies are subdued, including death itself (1 Corinthians 15:25).

Jesus being at God’s right hand means all authority in heaven and earth has been given to him (Matthew 28:18), and he intercedes for believers as their heavenly high priest (Romans 8:34). Exalted to glory yet near to help, Jesus is now Lord of all and worthy of our worship and adoration.

Archangels and Other Heavenly Figures

Archangel Michael

Archangel Michael is often considered one of the leading archangels and God’s right hand man. He is viewed as the commander of the heavenly host and chief opponent of Satan. Some biblical passages that mention Michael include Revelation 12:7-9, which describes a war in heaven between Michael’s angels and Satan’s, and Jude 1:9, which depicts Michael disputing with Satan over Moses’ body.

As defender of the faith, Michael is often shown with a flaming sword or spear, and wearing armor. He is the patron saint of soldiers, police officers, and doctors.

Archangel Gabriel

The archangel Gabriel is known as the messenger angel and is often depicted holding a horn or trumpet. He is mentioned in Luke 1:19, where he foretells the births of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ. Gabriel’s most famous role was announcing to the Virgin Mary that she would give birth to the Son of God.

For this reason, Gabriel is considered instrumental in revealing God’s plan for salvation through Jesus. Images often show Gabriel with lilies, which symbolize the annunciation. He is the patron saint of communication workers and postal carriers.

Archangel Raphael

Archangel Raphael plays a prominent role in the Book of Tobit where he guides Tobias on a journey and helps him heal his blind father. He is regarded as a healer and guardian angel, often shown holding a vessel containing healing fish or accompanying travelers.

Raphael is mentioned by name in the Book of Tobit and later Christian tradition. Because of his healing powers and role protecting travelers, he is the patron saint of medical providers, matchmakers, and travelers.

According to a popular prayer, Raphael is one of seven archangels who stand before God’s throne.

The Angel of the Lord

The Angel of the Lord (or the Angel of God) makes several high-profile appearances in the Old Testament on behalf of God. For example, he visits Hagar in Genesis 16, prevents the sacrifice of Isaac in Genesis 22, provides guidance to Moses in Exodus 3, and destroys 185,000 Assyrians in 2 Kings 19.

Many scholars believe the Angel of the Lord is an appearance of God himself rather than a created angel. This figure is alternately portrayed as both distinct from God and indistinguishable from God, fueling debate about his identity.

Regardless, the Angel displays authority and attributes of God, leading many to believe he could be considered a “right hand” figure.

Key Biblical Figures as God’s Right Hand Men

Moses and the Exodus

Moses was one of the most important biblical figures who acted as God’s right hand man. As described in the Book of Exodus, Moses led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt and received the Ten Commandments from God on Mount Sinai.

Moses had a special relationship with God, speaking to Him directly and receiving His instructions for leading the Israelites to the Promised Land. Some key events include:

• God speaking to Moses through the burning bush and calling him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt
• The 10 plagues that God sent to punish the Egyptians until they allowed the Israelites to leave
• Parting of the Red Sea so the Israelites could escape from the Egyptian army
• God providing manna and quail for the Israelites to eat in the wilderness
• Moses receiving the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai

As God’s chosen leader, Moses played an indispensable role in shaping the history of the Jewish people. His courage and obedience to God’s commands allowed him to fulfill his divine purpose.

Abraham, Father of Many Nations

Abraham is considered the father of the Jewish, Christian and Muslim faiths. According to the Book of Genesis, God made a covenant with Abraham promising to make him the father of a great nation if he left his home and followed God’s commands.

Abraham demonstrated extraordinary faith by obeying God and leaving his home for an unknown land at the age of 75. Key events include:

• God’s promise to bless Abraham and make his descendants a great nation
• Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac at God’s command (God spares Isaac at the last minute)
• Circumcision as the sign of the covenant between God and Abraham
• Hagar giving birth to Abraham’s first son Ishmael, ancestor of Muslims
• Sarah giving birth to Isaac in their old age, ancestor of Jews

Abraham’s obedience and trust in God resulted in blessings for generations to come. Jews, Christians and Muslims all trace their spiritual roots back to Abraham’s faith. He is a prime example of a man who aligned himself with God’s purposes by faith.

David, A Man After God’s Own Heart

King David is one of the most renowned figures in the Bible. From a humble shepherd boy, David rose to unite the tribes of Israel and became their greatest king. He had a unique relationship with God characterized by repentance, praise and intimate prayer. Key aspects include:

• As a boy, David bravely fought and killed the giant Goliath with just a slingshot
• God chose David to replace Saul as king of Israel
• David’s victories over the Philistines and expansion of the kingdom of Israel
• David’s affair with Bathsheba and repentance when confronted by the prophet Nathan
• David’s beautiful psalms and musical skill, composing many songs to praise God

Though imperfect, David constantly repented and realigned his heart with God. He desired to build God a great temple, though that privilege went to his son Solomon. David was truly a man after God’s own heart and an ancestor of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.

The Holy Spirit as God’s Active Presence

Old Testament References

The Holy Spirit is referenced numerous times in the Old Testament, starting in Genesis 1:2 where the Spirit of God hovers over the waters of the earth. Throughout the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit empowers individuals for specific purposes and actions.

For example, in Numbers 11:25 the Lord took some of the Spirit that was on Moses and put it on the seventy elders. This allowed them to prophesy. The Holy Spirit also guided the building of the tabernacle (Exodus 31:3) and the ark of the covenant (Exodus 25:22).

These examples showcase the Holy Spirit as God’s active presence and power enabling His people to accomplish His will.

Pouring Out of the Spirit in the New Testament

At Pentecost, as recorded in Acts 2, God poured out His Spirit on all believers as prophesied in Joel 2. This was a dramatic demonstration of the gift of the Holy Spirit being available to all who put their faith in Jesus Christ.

As opposed to the Old Testament where the Spirit selectively came upon certain individuals for specific tasks, now all believers have access to the empowerment and guidance of the Holy Spirit (see Acts 2, Joel 2).

The remainder of the Book of Acts records how early Christians operated in the power of the Spirit to be Christ’s witnesses.

Ongoing Acts of the Spirit

The Holy Spirit continues to actively work in remarkable ways today. According to a Pew Research study, over half of America’s Protestant pastors have witnessed divine healings and prophetic utterances in their congregations.

Furthermore, the majority of Pentecostals and Charismatics believe that divine miracles and prophecies still occur today through the power of the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit guides believers into truth (John 16:13), convicts people of sin (John 16:8), teaches and reminds believers of Jesus’ words (John 14:26), intercedes in prayer (Romans 8:26-27), and gives spiritual gifts for ministry (1 Corinthians 12:4-11).

These represent just some aspects of the Holy Spirit’s continued dynamic ministry in the life of believers and the church.

Synthesizing the Significance of the ‘Right Hand’ of God

Throughout history, the concept of being the “right hand man” to a powerful leader has held great meaning. In a Biblical context, being referred to as the “right hand” of God carries profound significance.

Let’s explore some key figures who have been considered God’s right hand and synthesize the meaning behind this important descriptor.

Moses

Moses holds an esteemed position in Judeo-Christian tradition as the messenger through whom God freed the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Called by God through the burning bush, Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt and into the Promised Land.

He also received the Ten Commandments directly from God on Mount Sinai. Moses’ critical role in delivering the Israelites from bondage and relaying God’s sacred laws cements his position as one of the most important prophets in the Old Testament.

As such, Moses could be considered a figurative “right hand man” to God during a pivotal time in Israelite history.

Aaron

Moses’ brother Aaron also played a significant role in the Israelite exodus from Egypt. Aaron served as Moses’ spokesperson before the Pharaoh, as Moses was not a skilled public speaker. The Bible declares that God chose Aaron to “speak for you to the people” on Moses’ behalf.

As Moses’ spokesperson and assistant, Aaron helped convey God’s divine message during the plagues and liberation of the Israelites. Aaron’s supporting role to Moses positions him as another potential “right hand man” figure.

King David

King David, the legendary second King of Israel, shares one of the closest relationships with God of any Old Testament figure. David is described as a “man after God’s own heart” and is promised an everlasting dynasty by God. God’s covenant with David is considered a high point in Israel’s history.

As both King of Israel and the human ancestor of Jesus Christ, David occupies a central role in Judeo-Christian theology. The intimacy and favor David enjoyed with God makes him a standout candidate for the metaphorical title of “right hand man.”

The Apostle Paul

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul stands out for spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ to gentiles across the Roman Empire. Through his missionary journeys, Paul established many of the earliest Christian communities and authored a large portion of the New Testament.

Paul claimed to have encountered the spirit of the risen Christ on the road to Damascus, an experience that converted him and propelled his evangelizing missions. As the most zealous and widely-travelled apostle, Paul has been regarded by some as fulfilling the role of God’s “right hand man” in the early church.

Synthesis

While no human can literally sit at the right hand of God, some key Biblical figures have been exalted as having special relationships with the divine. Being considered God’s “right hand man” denotes being an agent through which God performs great works in the world.

It signifies enjoying an exceptional level of communication, authority, and favor with the Lord. Moses, Aaron, King David, and the Apostle Paul all furthered God’s will on Earth in pivotal ways, cementing their legacies as some of God’s most trusted servants. The right hand metaphor honors these figures’ indispensible contributions to Israelite and Christian theology.

Conclusion

In exploring the biblical concept of God’s ‘right hand man,’ we have seen how this title conveys great power, authority, and trust to carry out the Lord’s will. While the Bible ascribes ultimate sovereignty to God alone, figures like Jesus, heavenly beings, and key biblical patriarchs have been uniquely empowered to act as agents of His purposes across human history.

Jesus Christ, as the Son of God and Messiah who sits exalted at the right hand, holds special significance as the one through whom God’s salvation was accomplished. Yet the Holy Spirit also continues God’s active work on earth today.

So to occupy the place of God’s ‘right hand man’ is to serve as an extension of His presence and purposes in the world.