The text discusses the importance and functions of the human hand, particularly the thumb, highlighting its essential role in grip and handling objects. It explains how phrases like "He has it on his thumb" imply mastery of a subject. The text also touches on the varying lengths of fingers and their roles in performing different tasks.
Human Limbs.
There is no doubt about the saying (when someone wants to demonstrate that they understand their art, or lesson, or craft) "He has it on his thumb," which means it's mastered. However, when it's said "It went on all fingers," (understanding a happy day or cheerful company) it seems more related to practicing musical instruments than anything else, because people commonly practiced this in cheerful gatherings; and most wind and string instruments require fingers. The number of fingers is generally five on each hand; where the thumb, together with the palm of the hand, works forcefully against all other fingers, even forming the grip of the hand; because without the help of the thumb, nothing can be held firmly, nor can the hand be closed tightly. And that's why it is said when someone has control over something; "He has his thumb on it." Without thumbs, one cannot grip well, not even pick up small things. Just as undoubtedly the kings under Adoni-Bezek's table became aware in gathering the crumbs; and he, according to the law of retribution, also had to undergo a test: and thus it went for him; As he sinned, so was he punished. The other fingers are one shorter than the other, to be able to fill the hollow of the hand well when closing; as well as to be able to position them for various grips: which they could not do if they were all the same length. To see the wisdom of the Creator, one should stretch the hand outright and gradually close all the fingers, and one will see how the palm of the hand proceeds and increasingly becomes equal to