The Oils of Nature

Last weekend, my wife and I spent some time at a gallery showing, which had a display of the artwork of one of my wife’s closest friends. It was interesting to see how her art has progressed over the years. We have a pencil sketch she did of my wife and her, during their senior year and we have a watercolor she gave us as a wedding present. Her medium now is oils, or at least for this gallery showing, the works were all in oils. Although based in Seattle, Washington, her paintings are reflective of the most beautiful natural scenes throughout Idaho and Washington. I thought it might be interesting to do a brief scan of how artwork was used through the historical record of the Bible.

The first mention of any type of artistic endeavors was in 6th generation of Cain’s family line(more on Cain). 1 Genesis 4:21 & 22 states, Jubal; he was the father of all who play the harp and flute & Tubal-Cain, … forged all kinds of tools out of bronze and iron.

In 1 Genesis 24:53 Rebekah is given gold and silver jewelry as engagement presents when she agrees to marry Isaac. We see artisans using their skills to glorify God in Exodus 25:10-30. God gives instructions for the artisans to create:

- A chest, known as the Ark, that is overlaid with gold, gold rings installed to carry it by & gold cherubim located on the cover.

- A table of wood overlaid with gold and gold plates, dishes bowls, & pitchers to hold the bread of the Presence.

- A lamp stand of pure gold with flowerlike cups buds and blossoms along with seven gold lamps.


Peter tells us, “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10

What possible conclusions might we draw from this brief scan. First, God never gives up on anyone and he can use them to bring about great things. Cain failed giving into his anger, and yet from his family came the beginnings of music and working with metals. Art can be used to represent the tokens of love we have for each other, as it did between Isaac & Rebekah, sometimes representing the emotions we feel. Art can be used to glorify and worship God as it did in the Tent of Meeting (the first Tabernacle). And last but not least we should use our talents, skills, & gifts to serve others with an eye toward demonstrating with those gifts, the grace God has shown and given us.