Lift
Lift (prop. נָשָׂא, αἴρω), besides having the general sense of raising, is used in several peculiar phrases in Scripture. To lift up the HANDS is, among the Orientals, a common part of the ceremony of taking an oath: "I have lift up mine hand unto the Lord," says Abraham (Ge 14:22); "I will bring you into the land concerning which I lift up my hand" (Ex 6:8), which I promised with an oath. To lift up one's hand against any one is to attack him, to fight him (2Sa 18:28; 1Ki 11:26). To lift up one's face in the presence of any one is to appear boldly in his presence (2Sa 2:22; Ezr 9:6. (See also Job 10:15; Job 11:15.) To lift up one's hands, eyes, soul, or heart unto the Lord are expressions describing the sentiments and emotion of one who prays earnestly or desires a thing with ardor.
