In the biblical context, beauty and awe are deeply intertwined concepts that reflect the glory and majesty of God, His creation, and His works. The Bible frequently addresses these themes, emphasizing that true beauty is found in the divine and that awe is a natural response to God's presence and power.

Beauty in Creation

The Bible begins with the account of creation, where God's handiwork is described as inherently beautiful. Genesis 1:31 states, "God saw all that He had made, and it was very good." This declaration underscores the intrinsic beauty of creation, reflecting God's perfect design and order. The Psalms often celebrate the beauty of the natural world as a testament to God's glory. Psalm 19:1 proclaims, "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands."

Beauty in Worship and the Temple

The beauty of holiness is a recurring theme in Scripture, particularly in the context of worship and the temple. The construction of the Tabernacle and later the Temple in Jerusalem was marked by intricate and beautiful craftsmanship, symbolizing the splendor of God's dwelling place among His people. In 1 Chronicles 16:29 , the call to worship includes an exhortation to "worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness."

Inner Beauty and Righteousness

While physical beauty is acknowledged in the Bible, greater emphasis is placed on inner beauty and righteousness. Proverbs 31:30 states, "Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised." This verse highlights the enduring value of godly character over outward appearance. Similarly, 1 Peter 3:3-4 advises, "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment... 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."

Awe in the Presence of God

Awe is a profound sense of reverence and wonder, often experienced in the presence of God. Throughout the Bible, encounters with the divine elicit awe and fear. When Moses encounters God in the burning bush, he is instructed to remove his sandals, for he is standing on holy ground (Exodus 3:5). Similarly, the prophet Isaiah, upon seeing a vision of the Lord, exclaims, "Woe to me!... I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips" (Isaiah 6:5).

Awe in God's Works and Judgments

The mighty works and judgments of God also inspire awe. The parting of the Red Sea, the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai, and the miracles of Jesus are all events that evoke a sense of wonder and reverence. Psalm 66:3 declares, "Say to God, 'How awesome are Your deeds! So great is Your power that Your enemies cower before You.'"

Awe in the Revelation of God's Glory

The ultimate revelation of God's glory and the culmination of beauty and awe is found in the person of Jesus Christ. The transfiguration of Jesus, as described in Matthew 17:2 , where "His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light," is a moment of divine revelation that leaves the disciples in awe. The book of Revelation further describes the awe-inspiring vision of the glorified Christ and the heavenly worship that surrounds Him (Revelation 1:12-17).

In summary, beauty and awe in the Bible are reflections of God's nature and His relationship with creation. They call believers to recognize the divine in the world around them and to respond with reverence, worship, and a pursuit of inner holiness.