Roots of Religious Art in Hebrew Bible
Many of us think of religious art as stemming from the early Christian or Byzantine period.
But there are a few examples of art stemming from the Hebrew Bible as an expression of divine service.
We see a commandment from Above being delivered to Moses to build the Holy Tabernacle: Bezalel, of the tribe of Judah, is called upon with other artisans to put their workmanship into practice through divine service. They are told to work in the media of gold, silver, bronze, precious stones, and wood to create all aspects of the Tabernacle, including the ark of the Testimony that holds the two tablets, the sacrificial table and its utensils, the laver and its base.
In addition, the priestly garments of Moses' brother, Aaron, are to be designed in blue, purple, and scarlet thread, fine linen and wool, and precious stones.