Art

God Is Not Against Art

Down through history, some have thought that because God commanded His people not to make carved images (Ex. 20:4–6), He is opposed to art in general. But such is not the case. The point of the second commandment is to avoid substituting anything for God. This is clear from the command, “You shall not bow down to them nor serve them”.meaning idols (20:5). In Egypt, where the Israelites had been living for four hundred years, carvings of animals and other idolatrous images were worshiped. Scripture denounces such foolish practices (Ps. 115:4–8).

But Scripture does not denounce art. In fact, the Hebrews were called by God to use art to help them worship Him:

• They were told to use costly materials to make beautiful furnishings for the tabernacle and vestments for the priests (Ex. 25–28).
• They were led by the skilled artisans Bezalel and Aholiab, to whom the Spirit gave ability to create a work of art (Ex. 28:3; 35:30–36:5).
• Years later they were told to construct the temple at Jerusalem, a magnificent architectural achievement that dazzled those who came to worship.
• They created masterful hymns and psalms that not only helped them worship the Lord, but became a source of inspiration for Christians to worship Him as well.

All of these artistic achievements were used in vastly different ways than the golden calf which the Israelites fashioned in the wilderness (Ex. 32:1–6). On that occasion, having been called and equipped by God to create a beautiful center of worship, they instead resorted to idolatry. They broke the second commandment shortly after it had been given. But the problem was their own rebelliousness, not art.