Why does Scripture emphasize the right hand of God?

Answer

The Scripture has various words translated as “right,” and the meaning of the term “right hand” varies from denoting a direction to representing the opposite of wrong, what is just or in accordance with an established standard, and to symbolizing a place of honor or authority. In instances of division or appointment in the Bible, the right hand or right side is given precedence, as seen when Israel (Jacob) bestowed blessings upon Joseph’s sons before his death (Genesis 48:13-14).

Moreover, a person of high rank who placed someone at his right hand bestowed equal honor upon him, acknowledging him as possessing equal dignity and authority. This is what the Apostle Paul conveys about Jesus Christ in Ephesians: “And what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty strength which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come” (Ephesians 1:19-21). Here, we witness God exalting Jesus above all others by seating Him at the right hand of the Father.

The term “God’s right hand” in prophecy points to the Messiah, to whom power and authority are granted to subdue His enemies (Psalm 110:1;Psalm 118:16). In Matthew 22:44, a reference is made to Psalm 110:1, which is a Messianic Psalm. Jesus Christ, referred to as “The Son of David,” claims to be the “greater son of David” or the Messiah. In this passage from Matthew 22, Jesus questions the Pharisees about their understanding of who the “Christ” or the Messiah truly is. “While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked the…”m, Saying, “What do you think of Christ? Whose son is He?” They say unto him, “The Son of David.” He saith unto them, “How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying, ‘The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make Thine enemies thy footstool’? If David then calls Him Lord, how is He his son?” (Matthew 22:41-45;KJV). The position of the Messiah is at God’s right hand.

The fact that Jesus Christ is at the “right hand of God” was a sign to the disciples that Jesus had indeed ascended to heaven. In John 16:7-15, Jesus told the disciples that He had to depart but would send the Holy Spirit. The arrival of the Holy Spirit in the upper room on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-13) was clear evidence that Jesus was in heaven seated at the right hand of God. This is affirmed in Romans 8:34 where the Apostle Paul writes that Christ is interceding for us at God’s right hand.

Therefore, we can affirm that “God’s right hand” symbolizes the Messiah, the LORD Jesus Christ, who holds an equal position, honor, power, and authority with God (John 1:1-5). The fact that Christ is “sitting” signifies that His redemptive work is complete and when the full number of Gentiles is brought in “For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.”, (Romans 11:25), Christ’s enemies will be subjected under His feet. As the end of the age approaches, all prophecies will be fulfilled, and time will cease to exist.