the Week of Proper 28 / Ordinary 33
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Bible Encyclopedias
Finger
Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature
or (אֶצְבִּע, etsba', δάκτυλος), besides its ordinary meaning, is used in Scripture to denote the special and immediate agency of any one. (See ARM). The Egyptian magicians, terrified by the numerous plagues inflicted upon their country, at length said, "This is the finger of God," i.e. this is done by the power of God himself (Exodus 8:19). Moses gave the tables of the law written by the finger (personal direction) of God to the Hebrews (Exodus 31:18). The heavens are said to be the work of God's fingers, i.e. his power (Psalms 8:3). Christ cast out devils with the finger or power of God (Luke 11:20). " To put forth the finger" is a bantering, insulting gesture (Isaiah 58:9). Some take this for a menacing gesture, as Nicanor stretched out his hand against the Temple, threatening to burn it (2 Maccabees 14:33). "Four fingers thick" occurs as a measure in Jeremiah 52:21. (See RING).
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McClintock, John. Strong, James. Entry for 'Finger'. Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature. https://www.studylight.org/encyclopedias/eng/tce/f/finger.html. Harper & Brothers. New York. 1870.
