Definition: Let thy hand be upon the man of thy right hand, upon the son of man [whom] thou madest strong for thyself.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Psalm 80:17. It's a really powerful and emotional message about seeking God’s help and forgiveness. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it’s saying: “Reach out to God with a sincere desire for his help and forgiveness.” Let’s unpack the parts: “Let thy hand be upon the man of thy right hand…” : This is a metaphor. Think of your right hand as representing something you've been doing – perhaps you've been struggling, making mistakes, or feeling lost. “Let thy hand” means to actively reach out and take action towards God. It’s about doing something to seek him. “…upon the son of man [whom] thou madest strong for thyself.” : This is the core part. “Son of man” is a poetic way of saying “God” or "the Lord." It refers to God as the Creator of everything and the one who has given us purpose and strength. “Thou madest strong for thyself” means you’ve been giving yourself strength, perhaps through your own efforts, but now you feel you need more. It suggests a feeling of needing guidance or support from God. Putting it all together: The verse is urging you to actively turn to God in times of difficulty and sorrow. It's saying that you are capable of seeking his help, and you should do so with a deliberate effort – reaching out to him with your hands and acknowledging the need for his guidance. What does this mean practically? It could be about: Feeling overwhelmed: Recognizing you’re struggling and needing a fresh perspective. Making a mistake: Acknowledging wrongdoing and seeking forgiveness. Feeling lost: Seeking direction and purpose in your life. In short, it's a call to repentance, humility, and trusting in God's grace. --- Do you want me to explain any of this further? For example, would you like me to: Give you some examples of how this verse might be applied to a specific situation? Explain the context of Psalm 80 within the larger biblical story?