Where are the Visual Artists in the Bible? By Staff Writer

We can find musicians, singers and dancers, even politicians in the bible, but what about us? Where are the visual artists in the scriptures? I prayed about this question and this is what I discovered:

1. Who were the first artists identified in the bible?

Bezaleel and Aholiab- Two former Hebrew slaves in bondage under Egyptian rule that fled the nation during the Exodus under the leadership of Moses.

2. What was so special about these guys?

God had a purpose in mind for their talent. They were chosen and equipped by God to lead and teach a national team of fellow artists in creating artifacts like the Ark of the Covenant (you know, the one from Raiders of the Lost Ark!) and other things that God Himself had designed.

3. How did God "equip" them for what He had planned for their talent?

He filled them with His Spirit, a part of Himself dwelling in them in order to create with His ability, not their own limited ability. God filled them with His Spirit in these areas:

Skill: This is bare talent, the creative "know-how.

Intelligence: Understanding or "Insight". Being in on what's going on from God's point of view…seeing what God sees.

Wisdom: The right application of what you know. Rightly applying your creative ability in accordance with God's plan and His way of doing things.

4. What practical steps should an artist take in order to pursue God's plan for their talent and lives?

First, no one can be one with the mind of God without bridging that gap through accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. After this, setting aside quiet time each day to pray and read His Word keeps the relationship growing as the artist remains in God's presence.

Bezaleel's name in the original Hebrew is translated "in the shadow (protection) of God". This helps to tell us that Bezaleel was an artist that remained in God's presence, in His very shadow to the point where it protected him and covered him.

Aholiab's name is translated "father's tent". This gives us the picture of a man under the authority of his father. This teaches the artist to allow God's way of doing things to be the authority of our talent.