In the religion of the Hebrews, even as in the religion of all the ancients, "clean hands" are a symbol of purity. Washing of the hands was a requirement before entering into any form of religious service, and was sometimes done as a symbol of innocence. Such is the symbolic significance of the injunction in ancient Masonry: "Cleanse your feet, wash your hand, and then enter." The white gloves worn by Masons as a part of their clothing alludes to this symbolizing of clean hands . ( Job 17:9 - Psalms 24:3-6 - 1 Timothy 2:8 )
Biblical References
Psalms 24:3-6
3 Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?
4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
5 He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
6 This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah.
1 Timothy 2:8
I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.
~~ooOoo~~
This page is adapted from the Glossary at Phoenixmasonry — Used with permission.
