Art And ScriptureSample

“Fortress”

Notes From Jessica Jones About the Painting:

In this devotion series we combine Art with Bible reading. We would encourage you as the reader to mediate on the art as you do the verses. Art has a way of stirring up questions, depth of meaning, and interpretative elements about Biblical texts that often go overlooked. 

In our culture, we are so overwhelmed by images each and everyday. We’ve lost the ability to understand the gift God gives us through the artist. Artists can make “visible the invisible,” and help us tangibly contemplate Faith (the evidence of things unseen).

Use the artist’s notes below to help you interpret the passage as well as the painting. We pray this study helps you grow in your maturity as a disciple of Christ, but also in your ability to enjoy, revel in, and feast your senses on all of God’s creation—His artwork!

1. God is our Fortress in the midst of crumbling and warring with, and in the world. God judges the sinful world, but is a refuge to those who trust in Him. This contrast of chaos and peace is depicted through:

    - Movement in the mountains and the sea, and in the burning chariot.

    - The calm sky and city.

2. Heaven (the “Golden city”) is shown with a river and a throne floating above the chaos: 

    - The river gladdens the city of God and is a holy place where God dwells (verse 4).

    - The city is not moved because God is in her and will help her (verse 5); thus, the city is stable and floating peacefully above crumbing world.

    - Throughout the Psalm, God is in control, and this is symbolized by the throne

3. The Sunrise sky portrays how God helps the city at dawn (verse 5).

4. The Mountains melting into raging water depict: 

    - The mountains moving into sea (verse 2)

    - The waters roaring and rising (verse3)

    - God speaking and the earth melting (verse 6)

5. Burning chariot parts float in the water (left corner). God makes wars end and burns chariots (verse 9).