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He's Got the Whole World in His Hands

Posted by David FG on October 19, 2004

In Reply to: He's Got the Whole World in His Hands posted by Bruce Kahl on October 19, 2004

: : we had one of our World Affairs Council events last night, and the speaker provided a presentation that was truly a tour de force. An audience of about 200 was mesmerized as the speaker displayed a combination of scholarship, humor, and wisdom that was rare, indeed. He truly held us in the palm of his hand -- but what could be the origin of that phrase that so aptly describes such an occurance?

: Maybe from the gospel song "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands":

: He's got you and me, brother, in His hands,
: He's got you and me, sister, in His hands.
: He's got the little tiny baby in His hands,
: He's got the whole world in His hands.

I rather doubt it. I suspect that it pre-dates that. I would guess it is possibly an illusion to having a baby bird (or other small, defenceless creature) eating from one's hand. In such a situation, the bird is placing its trust in the feeder, and is totally at his/her mercy.

DFG

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