Art(artisan, craftsman)
Summary
Creative skill and craftsmanship, which Scripture celebrates in the context of worship while warning against idolatrous images.
☩Sacred Art
God Himself filled craftsmen like Bezalel and Oholiab with His Spirit to design and create the tabernacle furnishings. The temple contained elaborate artistic work: carved cherubim, palm trees, flowers, and ornamental features. Music, poetry, and architecture all served to glorify God. Skilled artisans were highly valued for their contributions to worship.
☩Prohibition of Images
While art was encouraged, the making of images for worship was strictly forbidden. The second commandment prohibited graven images or any likeness for religious veneration. This distinguished Israel from surrounding nations whose worship centered on idols. The prohibition did not forbid all representational art, as the cherubim demonstrate, but specifically images intended for worship.
Related Verses14 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Art," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. I (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).