the Week of Proper 26 / Ordinary 31
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Bible Encyclopedias
Lift
Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature
or (prop. נָשָׂא, αἴρω ), besides having the general sense of raising, is used in several peculiar phrases in Scripture. To lift up the HANDS is, among the Orientals, a common part of the ceremony of taking an oath: "I have lift up mine hand unto the Lord," says Abraham (Genesis 14:22); "I will bring you into the land concerning which I lift up my hand" (Exodus 6:8), which I promised with an oath. To lift up one's hand against any one is to attack him, to fight him (2 Samuel 18:28; 1 Kings 11:26). To lift up one's face in the presence of any one is to appear boldly in his presence (2 Samuel 2:22; Ezra 9:6. (See also Job 10:15; Job 11:15.) To lift up one's hands, eyes, soul, or heart unto the Lord are expressions describing the sentiments and emotion of one who prays earnestly or desires a thing with ardor.
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McClintock, John. Strong, James. Entry for 'Lift'. Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature. https://www.studylight.org/encyclopedias/eng/tce/l/lift.html. Harper & Brothers. New York. 1870.
