Hanging Hands and Palsied Knees

by Micky Galloway

Hebrews 12:12-13, “Wherefore lift up the hands that hang down, and the palsied (feeble NASV) knees; and make straight paths for your feet, that that which is lame be not turned out of the way, but rather be healed.”

The Hebrew writer has explained to his readers that “chastening” (trials and discipline) is commonly used by loving parents. Whether the aim of the parents is achieved is determined by the child. As children, let us rejoice that we are so loved! David said, “Before I was afflicted I went astray; but now I observe thy word” (Psalms 119:67).

Our text is a conclusion statement beginning with, “Wherefore …” Robert Milligan explains the meaning, “He calls on the strong to strengthen and encourage the weak; and on the weak to take fresh courage and run their race with patience perseverance, in view of the fact that God is with them, caring for them, and sanctifying even their greatest afflictions to their good” (Commentary on Hebrews, Gospel Advocate Series, Page 456). J. Barmby adds, “… rather than expose them to the risk of apostasy by any wavering of their own” (Pulpit Commentary: Hebrews, Page 358). It is a reference to the Old Testament text of Isaiah 35:3-4, “Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come (with) vengeance, (with) the recompense of God; he will come and save you.” This message was crucial to the Jews on their return from Babylonian captivity to Jerusalem. The imagery is that of a weary traveler who is about to give way to discouragement and despair. He is encouraged to run courageously onward toward his destination. What a fitting description!

Other passages teach the same obligation: “And we exhort you, brethren, admonish the disorderly, encourage the fainthearted, support the weak, be longsuffering toward all” (I Thessalonians 5:14). “And whether one member suffereth, all the members suffer with it; or (one) member is honored, all the members rejoice with it” (I Corinthians 12:26).

How do we do that?

First, we must identify those with “hands that hang down” and have “feeble (NASV) knees.” Obviously, in the context, the passage is speaking of those who are weak because of the fear of persecution. However, it may include those who are discouraged and weary from many causes. Those who have experienced tragedy: a death in their family, a serious physical illness. It may include those who have fallen into temptation (cf. Luke 22:31-32; Romans 7:15-19) and sin (Matthew 26:75). As I grow older it becomes evident that is me in different stages of my life!

Secondly, what can I do to help those with “hands that hang down” and have “feeble (NASV) knees”?

1. Offer to others the comfort you have received. Paul explained that those who have received comfort are most qualified to give comfort to others. He said that it was God, “who comforteth us in all our affliction, that we may be able to comfort them that are in any affliction, through the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God” (II Corinthians 1:4). Instead of asking, “Why is this befallen me?” Use your experience to help others.
2. Encourage. Barnabas was good at this as his name reflects (Acts 4:36). Job’s friends recognized that Job had done this for many. “Behold, thou hast instructed many, And thou hast strengthened the weak hands. Thy words have upholden him that was falling, And thou hast made firm the feeble knees.” Yet, they are harshly critical of Job, “But now it is come unto thee, and thou faintest; It toucheth thee, and thou art troubled” (Job 4:3-5). (With friends like that …). Job did not need harsh judgmental words (cf. Matthew 7:1-2). He didn’t need arrogant “holier-than-thou” criticism (cf. Luke 18:9-14). When someone is weary, let us be careful with our words, lest we cause him to be “swallowed up with his overmuch sorrow” (II Corinthians 2:7). “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer each one” (Colossians 4:6). “A word fitly spoken Is (like) apples of gold in network of silver” (Proverbs 25:11). “Pleasant words are (as) a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul, and health to the bones” (Proverbs 16:24).
3. Do something. It is not the big things; simple things help. “And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and soul …” (Acts 4:32-37). James 1:27 is not in the Bible to debate about, it’s there for us to learn that our religion is one of doing. “Pure religion and undefiled before our God and Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, (and) to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” (Note the context). Cards, phone calls, texts mean so much.
4. Pray. “Brethren, pray for us” says it all (I Thessalonians 5:25; cf. II Thessalonians 3:1). When I am weary, sick, or hurting. When it seems, there is nothing others can do, the most help comes knowing my brethren care and are praying for me!
5. Be a friend. Each of us recognizes that “evil companions corrupt good morals” (I Corinthians 15:33). The opposite of this is true as well. Good associations encourage us. Spend time with those who are weak or hurting. Let them know we see their desperate need (whether or not they recognize it for themselves). “Oil and perfume rejoice the heart; So doth the sweetness of a man’s friend (that cometh) of hearty counsel” (Proverbs 27:9).

My beloved brethren. Let us look about us for those who may have “hands that hang down, and the palsied (feeble NASV) knees.” Let us do all we can to provide the support they need “that that which is lame be not turned out of the way, but rather be healed.” With all that has shaken our world in 2020, some of our dear brethren will become discouraged, perhaps quit, and be lost. Let us labor diligently to keep those precious souls who have already been converted, “that no advantage may be gained over us by Satan: for we are not ignorant of his devices” (II Corinthians 2:11).