Decorating, in the context of the Bible, often refers to the adornment and beautification of spaces, objects, or individuals. This practice is seen throughout Scripture, both in the context of worship and daily life. The Bible provides numerous examples of decorating, emphasizing its role in honoring God, celebrating significant events, and enhancing the beauty of sacred spaces.

Tabernacle and Temple Decorations

One of the most detailed accounts of decorating in the Bible is found in the construction of the Tabernacle and later the Temple. God provided specific instructions for the decoration of these sacred spaces, emphasizing beauty and craftsmanship. In Exodus 25-31, God commands Moses to use skilled artisans to create the Tabernacle, specifying materials such as gold, silver, bronze, and fine linens. The Ark of the Covenant, the table, the lampstand, and the altar were all intricately designed and decorated to reflect God's glory and holiness.

The Temple built by Solomon was similarly adorned with great splendor. In 1 Kings 6-7, the Bible describes the use of cedar, gold, and precious stones in the Temple's construction. The walls were carved with cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers, and the inner sanctuary was overlaid with pure gold. This lavish decoration was intended to honor God and create a space worthy of His presence.

Personal Adornment

The Bible also addresses personal adornment, often in the context of preparing for special occasions or expressing joy. In Esther 2:12-13, we see the preparation of Esther with beauty treatments before she meets King Xerxes. Similarly, in Ezekiel 16:10-14, God describes His adornment of Jerusalem with fine clothing and jewelry, symbolizing His love and care for His people.

However, Scripture also warns against excessive focus on outward adornment at the expense of inner character. In 1 Peter 3:3-4, women are advised, "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight."

Festive Decorations

Decorating is also associated with celebrations and festivals. In Nehemiah 8:10, the people are encouraged to "Go, eat rich foods, drink sweet drinks, and send portions to those who have nothing prepared, for this day is holy to our Lord." Such occasions often involved decorating homes and public spaces to reflect the joy and significance of the event.

Symbolism and Spiritual Significance

Throughout the Bible, decorating carries symbolic and spiritual significance. The use of specific colors, materials, and designs often reflects deeper theological truths. For example, the use of gold in the Tabernacle and Temple symbolizes purity and divinity, while the use of blue, purple, and scarlet yarns represents royalty and priesthood.

In Revelation 21, the New Jerusalem is described with walls of jasper, a city of pure gold, and foundations adorned with every kind of precious stone. This imagery conveys the ultimate beauty and perfection of God's eternal kingdom.

In summary, decorating in the Bible serves multiple purposes: it honors God, enhances worship, celebrates significant events, and reflects spiritual truths. While the Bible acknowledges the value of beauty and adornment, it consistently emphasizes the importance of inner character and devotion to God above outward appearances.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Decorate.4025. perithesis -- a putting around
... wearing. From peritithemi; a putting all around, ie Decorating oneself with -- wearing.
see GREEK peritithemi. (peritheseos) -- 1 Occurrence. 4024, 4025. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4025.htm - 6k

The Greek Theogony Exposed.
... What seemliness is there in a woman's girding herself with armour, or in a man's
decorating himself with cymbals, and garlands, and female attire, and ...
/.../justins discourse to the greeks/chapter ii the greek theogony exposed.htm

The Circumcision of Jesus
... He had also cleared out his room at the entrance to the cave, covering the floor
with rugs and decorating everything as festively as his poverty allowed. ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xii the circumcision of jesus.htm

Luther's Second Preface.
... In like manner, even down to this present, have Christians ever been wont to do
honorably by the bodies and the graves of the dead, decorating them, singing ...
/.../bacon/the hymns of martin luther/luthers second preface.htm

Thankful Service.
... where to lay His head. There are people who murmur at the expense of building
and decorating such Churches. They say, "To what purpose ...
/.../the life of duty a years plain sermons v 2/sermon lix thankful service.htm

Sikera, a Manufactured and Spurious Wine, yet Intoxicating; Things ...
... nature evil, be defiled by those which are like them and akin to them, conquering
the one and being conquered by the other, that is, decorating herself with ...
/.../chapter vi sikera a manufactured and.htm

Preface to the Anti-Manich??an Writings.
... revolutionist. Forced to flee, he took refuge in Turkestan, and gained influence
there, partly by decorating the temples with paintings. ...
/.../preface to the anti-manichaean writings.htm

Of the Presbyter Anastasius, by whom the Faith of Nestorius was ...
... Wherefore the devout empress Helena adorned the place of accouchement of the
God-bearing virgin with the most splendid monuments, decorating that sacred spot ...
/.../chapter xxxii of the presbyter anastasius.htm

Honorable Submission
... Mrs. Johnson was almost in despair, unable to find someone among that great army
of employees, to have any artistic ideas of decorating or even to make a few ...
/.../chapter viii honorable submission.htm

The Persecutions of the Church.
... was a statuary, he could no longer employ himself in carving images of the gods;
if he was a painter, he could no more expend his skill in decorating the high ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter ii the persecutions of.htm

Spiritual Idolatry
... Happy, " in altering, enlarging, rebuilding, or at least decorating, the old
mansion-house he has purchased; and likewise in improving everything about it ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 78 spiritual idolatry.htm

Decorating (4 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Decorate. Multi-Version
Concordance Decorating (4 Occurrences). 1 Kings 7:41 the two ...
/d/decorating.htm - 7k

Filigree (9 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) Ornamental work, formerly with grains or breads, but now composed of fine
wire and used chiefly in decorating gold and silver to which the wire is ...
/f/filigree.htm - 9k

Decorates (1 Occurrence)

/d/decorates.htm - 6k

Decoration (1 Occurrence)

/d/decoration.htm - 7k

Plaster (13 Occurrences)
... The ancients preferred plastered surfaces for decorating, and even the finest granite
was covered with stucco on which to paint or carve the decorations ...
/p/plaster.htm - 13k

Colour (22 Occurrences)
... 23:14), or for decorating the walls and beams of houses (Jeremiah 22:14). Noah
Webster's Dictionary. (n.) See Color. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/c/colour.htm - 21k

Gold (429 Occurrences)
... Chronicles 20:2), earrings (Exodus 32:2, 3 Numbers 31:50 Judges 8:24, 26), rings
(Genesis 24:22; Genesis 41:42 James 2:2). (3) Making and decorating objects in ...
/g/gold.htm - 57k

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