Ezekiel 20:5

I chose Israel - They did not choose me for their God, till I had chosen them to be my people.

I lifted up mine hand - I bound myself in a covenant to them to continue to be their God, if they should be faithful, and continue to be my people. Among the Jews the juror lifted up his right hand to heaven; which explains Psalm 144:8 ; : "Their right hand is a right hand of falsehood." This is a form used in England, Scotland, and Ireland.