The term "handiworks" in the biblical context often refers to the works of God's hands, highlighting His creative power and the intricate design of His creation. The Bible frequently uses this concept to illustrate God's majesty, wisdom, and the intimate involvement of the Creator with His creation.

Creation and God's Handiwork

The Bible begins with the account of creation, where God's handiwork is prominently displayed. Genesis 1:1 states, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." This foundational verse sets the stage for understanding all of creation as the handiwork of God. The psalmist echoes this sentiment in Psalm 19:1, "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands." Here, the heavens and the skies are depicted as a testament to God's creative power and glory.

Human Beings as God's Handiwork

Human beings are also described as the handiwork of God. In Genesis 1:27, it is written, "So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." This verse underscores the unique position of humanity in creation, crafted in the image of God Himself. Furthermore, Psalm 139:14 reflects on the personal nature of God's handiwork in the formation of individuals: "I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well."

God's Handiwork in History

Throughout the Bible, God's handiwork is not limited to creation but extends into His sovereign actions in history. The deliverance of Israel from Egypt is one such example, where God's mighty hand is evident. In Exodus 15:6, Moses and the Israelites sing, "Your right hand, O LORD, is majestic in power; Your right hand, O LORD, has shattered the enemy." This passage highlights God's intervention and the execution of His will through His powerful deeds.

The Handiwork of Believers

Believers are called to reflect God's handiwork through their lives and actions. Ephesians 2:10 states, "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." This verse emphasizes that believers are crafted by God for a purpose, to engage in good works that align with His will and reflect His character.

Artistic and Craftsmanship Skills

The Bible also acknowledges human artistic and craftsmanship skills as a reflection of God's creative nature. In Exodus 31:3-5, God speaks of Bezalel, whom He has filled "with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding, and ability in all kinds of craftsmanship, to design artistic works in gold, silver, and bronze, to cut gemstones for settings, and to carve wood, so that he may be a master of every craft." This passage illustrates that human creativity and skill are gifts from God, meant to be used for His glory.

Conclusion

The concept of handiworks in the Bible serves as a reminder of God's omnipotence, creativity, and intimate involvement with His creation. From the vastness of the cosmos to the intricate design of the human body, and the unfolding of history, God's handiwork is evident and calls for recognition and praise. Believers are encouraged to reflect this divine handiwork in their lives, using their God-given talents and abilities to honor Him.

Testimonies to the Unity of God.
... Images of the gods in stone and brass,. Or figures carved in gold or ivory; And,
furnishing for these, our handiworks,. Both sacrifice and rite magnificent,. ...
/.../justin on the sole government of god /chapter ii testimonies to the unity.htm

Testimony of Sophocles.
... Images of the gods in stone and wood,. Or figures carved in brass or ivory,. And,
furnishing for these our handiworks,. Both sacrifice and rite magnificent,. ...
/.../chapter xviii testimony of sophocles.htm

Lessons from Nature
... be that nature of itself debases me, or diverts me from God; I ought to suspect
a deficiency in my self when I find that the Creator's handiworks have not a ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/lessons from nature.htm

Jacob's Waking Exclamation
... he is in the very space which his creation seems to claim, for creatures do not
displease God; and even the space which is occupied by his handiworks is still ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/jacobs waking exclamation.htm

To the Rev. Andrew Brandram
... is held at no account. But notwithstanding the wildness of these regions,
the handiworks of man were visible. The sides of the gorge ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev andrew brandram 2.htm

The Synagogue at Nazareth - Synagogue-Worship and Arrangements.
... Blessed be the Lord our God for the glory of His handiworks, and for the
light-giving lights which He has made for His praise. Selah. ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter x the synagogue at.htm

A Strain of the Judgment of the Lord.
... To know Him had proved useful to them. There,. His life's excesses, handiworks
unjust,. And crimes of savage mind, each will confess,. ...
/.../unknown/fathers of the third century tertullian appendix/4 a strain of the.htm

1 John 5:4-5. victory
... is the Son of God?". Simplicity is a distinguishing characteristic of many
of God's handiworks. "How beautifully simple!" has often ...
/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter viii 1 john 5 4-5.htm

The Apology of Aristides the Philosopher. Translated from the ...
... And if further it is fitting that one should approve the handiworks of a craftsman,
how much more is it fitting that one should glorify the Creator of the ...
/.../kay/the apology of aristides the philosopher/the apology of aristides the.htm

History of Arian Opinions.
... For it is irreligious and alien to the ecclesiastical faith, to compare the Creator
with handiworks created by Him, and to think that He has the same manner of ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/part ii history of arian.htm

Merchant (15 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 27:16 Syria was your merchant by reason of the multitude of your handiworks:
they traded for your wares with emeralds, purple, and embroidered work ...
/m/merchant.htm - 13k

Products (9 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 27:16 Syria was your merchant by reason of the multitude of your handiworks:
they traded for your wares with emeralds, purple, and embroidered work ...
/p/products.htm - 9k

Handiworks (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Handiworks (2 Occurrences). Ezekiel 27:16 Syria was
your merchant by reason of the multitude of your handiworks...
/h/handiworks.htm - 7k

Zahar (1 Occurrence)
... Ezekiel 27:18 Damascus was your merchant for the multitude of your handiworks, by
reason of the multitude of all kinds of riches, with the wine of Helbon, and ...
/z/zahar.htm - 6k

Fabric (8 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 27:16 Syria was your merchant by reason of the multitude of your handiworks:
they traded for your wares with emeralds, purple, and embroidered work ...
/f/fabric.htm - 9k

Traded (16 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 27:16 Syria was your merchant by reason of the multitude of your handiworks:
they traded for your wares with emeralds, purple, and embroidered work ...
/t/traded.htm - 11k

Turquoise (5 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 27:16 Syria was your merchant by reason of the multitude of your handiworks:
they traded for your wares with emeralds, purple, and embroidered work ...
/t/turquoise.htm - 8k

Trafficked (7 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 27:18 Damascus was your merchant for the multitude of your handiworks, by
reason of the multitude of all kinds of riches, with the wine of Helbon, and ...
/t/trafficked.htm - 8k

Rubies (8 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 27:16 Syria was your merchant by reason of the multitude of your handiworks:
they traded for your wares with emeralds, purple, and embroidered work ...
/r/rubies.htm - 8k

Exchanged (22 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 27:16 Syria was your merchant by reason of the multitude of your handiworks:
they traded for your wares with emeralds, purple, and embroidered work ...
/e/exchanged.htm - 12k

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