One might discern a deeper layer of meaning in these prophetic words, suggesting that those who engage in significant, divine, and elevated actions—whose active energy is directed upward—are described as lifting their hands, while those engaged in trivial, worldly, and transient matters have their hands held low.
This understanding also sheds light on Moses' experience: as human endeavors differ in quality, with some individuals living more righteously at times while others falter, Moses' actions symbolize our shared human condition. When Moses raised his hands, Israel triumphed; when he lowered them, Amalek gained the upper hand (Ex. 17:11). This indicates that as our strength wanes, adversaries often triumph; yet, as we aspire to spiritual heights, our perspective, represented by Israel, gains clarity and strength. Notice that the text does not state, “When you lift up your hands,” but rather, “When you lower yourselves.” For raising our hands signifies a pursuit of higher aspirations, while extending them can imply a plea for earthly assistance.
The act of infants reaching out to caregivers reflects their emotional attachment, and God, indicating the reluctance of those who pray, does not say, “When you open your hands to Me,” but rather, “When you open your hands, I will turn away My eyes,” adding the reason: “Your hands are full of blood.” Should you increase your prayers, I will not listen to you. This warning is directed at those whose lives lack goodness, who attempt to justify themselves through prolonged petitions. Words of prayer hold value, especially when expressed with sincerity and humility. The Pharisee, for example, seemingly multiplied his prayers, but what does Scripture reveal? “The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself” (Luke 18:11)—with himself, rather than with God, as he was consumed by pride. Therefore, the Savior also teaches: “And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathens do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words; therefore, do not be like them” (Matt. 6:7-8). Additionally, it is stated, “In the multitude of words sin is not lacking” (Proverbs 10:19). Thus, one ought to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, rather than focus on worldly gains (see: Matthew 6:33). This is echoed in the Psalm: “One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord” (Ps. 26:4).
Your hands are full of blood, which is why God's gaze is withdrawn when you extend your hands. The very gestures of your pleas provoke turmoil. If someone, having slain another’s beloved son, extends bloodied hands, even after the act, toward the grieving father to seek reconciliation and forgiveness, will not the sight of that blood incite greater wrath? Such are the prayers of the Jewish people today: as they extend their hands, they remind God, the Father, of their offenses against His only-begotten Son. Each gesture signals that they remain stained by the blood of Christ, enduring in their obstinacy and thus remaining heirs to the guilt of their ancestors as stated, “His blood is on us and on our children” (Matthew 27:25).
THEOSIS