“The LORD your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm.” Deut. 5:15
A word we seldom hear is anthropomorphism. That seems like quite a mouthful. Anthropomorphism is a term we use when we give human attributes to God. For example, we speak of the face of God, the voice of God, and the eyes of God.
A phrase frequently used in the Bible is the arm of God. What comes to mind when you hear those words? Often we perceive the arm of God as being strong and mighty. Isaiah 40:10 says, “See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm.” Here we appreciate God’s great power and might.
God uses this term when telling us that he is truly all- powerful, and there is nothing he cannot do. When Moses doubted if the Lord could feed all the people, the Lord answered him, “Is the LORD’S arm too short? Now you will see whether or not what I say will come true for you” (Numbers 11:23).
Some references to God’s arm bring special comfort to us. We enjoy the thought of being supported by God’s loving arms. Deuteronomy 33:27 beautifully tells us, “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.”
Likewise, we treasure the picture of being in the arms of Jesus, like the little children of Mark 10:16, “He took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them.”
When life seems too difficult to bear, remember that not only does God protect us with his mighty arms, he also lifts us up and welcomes us into his loving arms. Isaiah 40:11 reminds us, “He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart.”
From the book “Precious Words of the Bible” by Reynold R. Kremer