Thorp: More on beauty and Scripture... “The OT speaks of God’s creation as beautiful [also the land of Canaan and Jerusalem]… Several women prominent in the OT are described as beautiful. But sensual beauty was secondary to industry, resourcefulness, and traditional piety in a woman (Prov 31). A number of men also were known for their physical attractiveness—for example, David and Absalom … Israelite worship was beautiful, too, with the high priest’s elaborate ceremonial robes designed “for glory and beauty” (Ex 28:2). The concept of beauty is applied also to God in the OT. The Lord’s favor is called his “beauty” (Ps 90:17 kjv). Isaiah recorded God’s promise to give his people “beauty for ashes” (Is 61:3 kjv)… Isaiah described God as a “diadem of beauty” to the faithful Israelite remnant (Is 28:5), and the Messiah was spoken of as a beautiful king (Is 33:17). Thus in the OT the concept of beauty had a deeper meaning than simply physical attractiveness. It became a theological concept affirming God’s essential glory. The NT urges Christ’s followers to live lives that will “adorn” the teaching of the Savior, making it attractive to non-believers (Ti 2:10). Those who preach the gospel (good news) of Christ are spoken of as beautiful (Rom 10:15). The apostles Paul and Peter warned women against being satisfied with outward beauty (1 Tm 2:9, 10), reminding them that beautiful character is the true adornment of godliness (1 Pt 3:3–5). The beauty of the believer’s final home in heaven is reflected in the description of the “new Jerusalem” as a bride (Rev 21:2) and in the symbolism of treasured semiprecious stones of antiquity (Rev 4:3).” Elwell, W. A., & Beitzel, B. J. (1988). In Baker encyclopedia of the Bible. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House.
Posted on: Sun, 14 Dec 2014 20:31:00 +0000