AC 7673 - Stretching Out the Arm

AC 7673

Stretch out thy hand.
(Exodus 10:12)

That "to stretch out the hand" denotes the rule of power
is because the hand or arm has power
when it is stretched out;
and therefore when it is said of Jehovah
that "He stretches out the hand" or "arm,"
there is meant power unlimited or infinite in act.
This is the reason why Jehovah so often said to Moses
when miracles were to be done,
that he should "stretch out his hand" or "rod," . . ..

Also, in many passages
omnipotence is described by
"Jehovah stretching out His hand,"
as also by "His outstretched hand,"
and by "His outstretched arm" --
by "Jehovah stretching out the hand," . . ..

It is also said of Jehovah
that "He stretches out the heaven,"
and here also by "stretching out" is meant omnipotence;
that is, that He enlarges the boundaries of heaven,
and fills its inhabitants with life and wisdom . . ..

From all this it can now be seen why
Moses was commanded to stretch out his hand and rod,
and that then miracles were done;
and that thus by "stretching out the hand"
is meant the rule of power,
and in the supreme sense omnipotence.