Art and creativity reflect the image of God as the Creator. Today, we’ll see what the Bible says about using artistic talents to glorify Him and bless others.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Milk And Honey
What Does The Bible Say About Artists
Exodus 31:3
“And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and all kinds of craftsmanship.”
This verse shows that artists can be filled with the Spirit of God, who gives them wisdom, understanding, and knowledge in their craft. It emphasizes that artistic talents are gifts from God and can be used for His glory.
1 Chronicles 28:21
“And behold the divisions of the priests and the Levites, even they shall be with thee for all the service of the house of God: and there shall be with thee for all manner of workmanship every willing skilful man, for any manner of service: also the princes and all the people will be wholly at thy commandment.”
In this verse, King David acknowledges that skilled artists are essential for the work of the house of God. It highlights the importance of having willing and skilled craftsmen serving in various artistic capacities for the worship and service of God.
Psalm 33:3
“Sing to him a new song; play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts.”
This verse encourages artists to use their skills to worship God with a new song and skillfully playing musical instruments. It affirms that God delights in the creative expressions of His people when they offer their talents in praise and worship.
Ezekiel 28:13
“You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone adorned you: ruby, topaz, and emerald, chrysolite, onyx, and jasper, sapphire, turquoise, and beryl. Your settings and mountings were made of gold; on the day you were created, they were prepared.”
This verse describes the beauty and craftsmanship of an anointed cherub, highlighting the artistry and creativity that was originally present in God’s creation. It portrays the artistic nature of God and His appreciation for artistic beauty.
Exodus 35:10
“All who are skilled among you are to come and make everything the LORD has commanded.”
God commanded the skilled artisans to come and use their talents to create everything required for the tabernacle. This verse emphasizes that artistic skills can be used to fulfill God’s purposes and carry out His instructions.
2 Chronicles 2:7
“Now, send me a skilled man to work in gold, silver, bronze, and iron, and in purple, crimson, and blue yarn, and experienced in engraving, to work with the skilled craftsmen who are with me in Judah and Jerusalem, whom my father David provided.”
In this verse, King Solomon requests a skilled craftsman to work alongside other skilled craftsmen. It demonstrates the importance of collaboration and the value placed on artistic skills in carrying out specific tasks.
Psalm 96:1
“Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth.”
This verse encourages artists to express their creativity by singing a new song to the Lord. It implies that God welcomes and delights in new expressions of praise and worship.
Exodus 35:30-31
“Then Moses said to the Israelites, ‘See, the LORD has chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills.'”
This verse highlights the selection of Bezalel, who was filled with the Spirit of God and had wisdom, understanding, and various artistic skills. It emphasizes that God equips His chosen artists with the necessary abilities to carry out their calling.
2 Chronicles 34:9
“They went to Hilkiah the high priest and gave him the money that had been brought into the temple of God, which the Levites who were the gatekeepers had collected from the people of Manasseh, Ephraim, and the entire remnant of Israel and from all the people of Judah and Benjamin and the inhabitants of Jerusalem.”
This verse mentions the financial support given by the people of Israel for the work of the temple. It implies the acknowledgment of the value of artistic contributions and the importance of providing resources for artists to fulfill their creative tasks for the house of God.
1 Kings 7:14
“He was a widow’s son from the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a craftsman in bronze. Huram was highly skilled, and he worked with gold, silver, bronze, and iron.”
This verse describes the skilled craftsmanship of Huram, who worked with various materials in creating artistic items for the temple. It reveals that artistic skills can be developed and refined through practice and experience.
Psalm 150:3-5
“Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe, praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals.”
This verse encourages artists to use various instruments and forms of expression to praise and worship God. It signifies the diversity and richness of artistic worship, where different art forms combine to honor God.
Exodus 35:35
“He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and fine linen, weavers—all of them skilled workers and designers.”
This verse highlights a variety of artistic skills given to the craftsmen, including engraving, designing, weaving, and embroidery. It emphasizes that God provides artists with specific abilities to carry out their creative work for His purposes.
1 Chronicles 25:1
“David and the commanders of the army set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun for the ministry of prophesying, accompanied by harps, lyres, and cymbals.”
Here, artisans were chosen for the particular ministry of prophesying, using musical instruments. It suggests that artistic expression can be intertwined with spiritual gifts and ministry.
1 Corinthians 14:7-8
“Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the pipe or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle?”
This verse illustrates the importance of skillful playing and clear expression in music. It implies that artists should strive for excellence and clarity in their creative expressions to effectively communicate messages and intentions.
Psalms 139:14
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
Here, King David praises God for creating him fearfully and wonderfully. It acknowledges that God’s artistic handiwork is marvelous and illustrates how every person’s unique artistic abilities are God-given.
2 Samuel 6:5
“David and all Israel were celebrating with all their might before the LORD, with castanets, harps, lyres, timbrels, sistrums, and cymbals.”
This verse portrays the joyous celebration of God’s presence with various musical instruments. It demonstrates that artistic expressions can be a significant part of worship and expressing reverence for God.
Colossians 3:23
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
This verse emphasizes the attitude and motivation behind artistic work. It encourages artists to approach their creative endeavors with dedication and excellence, considering it as an act of service and worship to God.
1 Peter 4:10
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
This verse reminds artists that their talents and artistic gifts are meant to serve others. It encourages using artistic abilities to bless and impact others positively, recognizing them as gifts from God.
Exodus 36:1
“So Bezalel, Oholiab, and every skilled person in whom the LORD has put skill and ability to know how to do all the work of constructing the sanctuary are to do the work just as the LORD has commanded.”
This verse reiterates that the Lord specifically equips skilled individuals with artistic abilities for the purpose of constructing the sanctuary. It affirms that God chooses and anoints artists to accomplish His divine tasks.
Psalm 150:6
“Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD.”
This verse calls for all living creatures, including artists, to praise and worship the Lord. It signifies the inclusive nature of artistic worship, urging artists to utilize their talents to magnify God.
Exodus 31:6
“Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamak, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also, I have given ability to all the skilled workers to make everything I have commanded you.”
This verse reveals that God imbued Oholiab and other skilled craftsmen with the ability to carry out their creative work according to His commands. It reinforces the idea that artistic abilities are bestowed by God to fulfill specific tasks.
Psalm 98:1
“Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.”
This verse encourages artists to express their creativity by singing a new song to the Lord. It emphasizes the awe and wonder of God’s works, inspiring artists to offer their unique artistic expressions in praise and worship.
Exodus 35:25
“All the women who were skilled in spinning got to work and brought what they had spun: blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and fine linen.”
In this verse, skilled women are mentioned for their expertise in spinning and weaving. It acknowledges the craftsmanship of women in artistic pursuits and their valuable contributions to the tabernacle.