We are rolling into chapter nine of Exodus with our word for today which is actually a phrase used for the first time in the Bible. יַד־יְהוָ֜ה hand of the LORD or hand of the YHWH. It is used 40 times in the Old Testament. We see our phrase used to describe God working in and through a leader to accomplish his will. Proverbs 21:1 In the בְּיַד־יְהוָ֑הLord’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water that he channels toward all who please him.
Ezra 7:6, 27-28 Ezra came up from Babylon. He was a teacher well versed in the Law of Moses, which the Lord, the God of Israel, had given. The king had granted him everything he asked, for the כְּיַד־יְהוָ֤ה hand of the Lord his God was on him… Praise be to the Lord, the God of our ancestors, who has put it into the king’s heart to bring honor to the house of the Lord in Jerusalem in this way and who has extended his good favor to me before the king and his advisers and all the king’s powerful officials. Because the כְּיַד־יְהוָ֤ה hand of the Lord my God was on me, I took courage and gathered leaders from Israel to go up with me.
We also find our phrase used to identify God himself is the one who is behind miraculous activity and prophecy. 1 Kings 18:46 The וְיַד־יְהוָ֗ה power of the Lord came on Elijah and, tucking his cloak into his belt, he ran ahead of Ahab all the way to Jezreel. Ezekiel 1:3 the word of the Lord came to Ezekiel the priest…by the Kebar River in the land of the Babylonians. There the יַד־יְהוָֽה hand of the Lord was on him.
Ezekiel 37:1-3 The יַד־יְהוָה֒ hand of the Lord was on me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the Lord and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry. He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones live?”
We see our phrase used in the sense of God being against someone or nation brining judgment. This is because of sinful actions of which this Psalm is a great example. Psalm 75:9 In the בְּֽיַד־יְהוָ֡ה hand of the Lord is a cup full of foaming wine mixed with spices; he pours it out, and all the wicked of the earth drink it down to its very dregs. Judges 2:15 Whenever Israel went out to fight, the יַד־יְהוָה֙ hand of the Lord was against them to defeat them, just as he had sworn to them. They were in great distress. 1 Samuel 7:13 Throughout Samuel’s lifetime, the יַד־יְהוָה֙ hand of the Lord was against the Philistines. 1 Samuel 12:15 But if you do not obey the Lord, and if you rebel against his commands, his יַד־יְהוָ֛ה hand will be against you, as it was against your ancestors. This is how our word is used in our chapter today. Exodus 9:2-3 For if you refuse to let them go and still hold them, behold, the יַד־יְהוָ֜ה hand of the Lord will fall with a very severe plague upon your livestock that are in the field, the horses, the donkeys, the camels, the herds, and the flocks. David makes an interesting insight about God’s character in that even when God has to bring judgment against sin he does so in a merciful way. 2 Samuel 24:14 David said to Gad, “I am in deep distress. Let us fall into the בְיַד־יְהוָה֙ hands of the Lord, for his mercy is great; but do not let me fall into human hands.” Our word is used to describe God’s work of salvation and restoration. Isaiah 62:2-4 The nations will see your vindication, and all kings your glory; you will be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will bestow. You will be a crown of splendor in the בְּיַד־יְהוָ֑ה Lord’s hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God. No longer will they call you Deserted…for the Lord will take delight in you. I’ll close with this great passage. Isaiah 66:14 When you see this, your heart will rejoice and you will flourish like grass; the יַד־יְהוָה֙ hand of the Lord will be made known to his servants, but his fury will be shown to his foes.
