The use of icons in Orthodox Christianity has often been misrepresented as idolatry, yet the biblical record provides clear evidence that sacred images were not only permitted but commanded by God in specific contexts. Understanding the distinction between veneration and worship is crucial. The Orthodox Church teaches that icons are not objects of worship but serve as windows into the divine, much like the sacred imagery employed in the Old Testament.
One of the strongest biblical precedents for the use of icons is found in the construction of the Tabernacle. God Himself commanded Moses to include sacred images in its design.
The Ark of the Covenant
“You shall make two cherubim of gold; you shall make them of hammered work, at the two ends of the mercy seat.” (Ex. 25:18)
These golden cherubim were placed atop the Ark of the Covenant, in the Holy of Holies, the most sacred place in Israelite worship. If all religious imagery were inherently idolatrous, God would not have commanded their construction. These cherubim were not worshipped, but they signified the presence of God.
The Veil and the Walls of the Tabernacle
“You shall make a curtain of blue, purple, and crimson yarns, and of fine twisted linen; it shall be made with cherubim skilfully worked into it.” (Ex. 26:31)
The very fabric of the Tabernacle was adorned with artistic depictions of heavenly beings, further demonstrating that sacred imagery was not forbidden.
The Temple of Solomon
When Solomon built the Temple, God did not rebuke him for including images but rather blessed the endeavour. “In the inner sanctuary he made two cherubim of olive wood, each ten cubits high…On the walls all around the temple, in both the inner and outer rooms, he carved cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers.” (1 Kings 6:23, 29) The temple was filled with images of cherubim, trees, and flowers, yet these were never objects of worship. Rather, they served as symbolic reminders of God’s presence and His creation.
The Bronze Serpent — A Foreshadowing of Sacred Images
Another striking example is the bronze serpent crafted by Moses. “And the Lord said to Moses, ‘Make a poisonous serpent, and set it on a pole; and everyone who is bitten shall look at it and live.’ So Moses made a serpent of bronze, and put it upon a pole; and whenever a serpent bit someone, that person would look at the serpent of bronze and live.” (Num. 21:8-9) This bronze serpent was not an idol, but a means through which God bestowed healing. Later, when it was misused for idolatrous worship, King Hezekiah rightly destroyed it (2 Kings 18:4), showing that it was not the image itself but the improper use that constituted idolatry.
Christ as the Visible Image of the Invisible God
The Incarnation fundamentally changed the nature of sacred imagery. Whereas in the Old Testament, God was invisible, in Christ, He became visible. For example, St. Paul wrote: “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.” (Col. 1:15) By taking on human nature, Christ sanctified material reality, making it possible for images to depict Him without violating the commandment against idolatry. Icons of Christ affirm the truth of the Incarnation—that God truly became man and could be seen, touched, and portrayed.
Biblical Use in our Tradition
The use of icons in Orthodox Christianity aligns with biblical tradition. The Tabernacle, the Temple, and even Christ Himself demonstrate that sacred imagery is not inherently idolatrous. Real idolatry is the worship of the image rather than what it represents. The Orthodox Church venerates (highly honours, respects) icons, not as idols, but as sacred reminders of the divine presence, much like the cherubim over the Ark or the adornments of the Temple. Far from contradicting the Bible, icons uphold the biblical tradition of using material beauty to reflect the glory of God.
May God bless you +
Fr. Charles
3 March 2024
