What does the use of "scarlet cloth" symbolize in Numbers 4:8? Setting the Scene Numbers 4 describes how the Kohathites were to prepare the holy furnishings for transport. When the priests finished arranging “the plates and dishes, the bowls and the jars for the drink offering” on the Table of the Presence, we read: “They are to spread a scarlet cloth over them, cover that with fine leather, and insert the poles.” (Numbers 4:8) Literal Details • The cloth was genuinely scarlet—dyed with rich red pigment. • It covered the bread, plates, and vessels on the Table of the Presence. • A protective leather covering went on top, keeping everything secure during travel. • Only the consecrated priestly family handled these coverings, underscoring their holiness. Biblical Symbolism of Scarlet • Blood and atonement: Exodus 12:13; Hebrews 9:19-22. • Cleansing from sin: Isaiah 1:18 — “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” • Redemption and rescue: Joshua 2:18-21 — Rahab’s scarlet cord. • Royal dignity: 2 Samuel 1:24; Proverbs 31:21. • Sacrifice pointing to Messiah: Psalm 22; Matthew 27:28-29 (the soldiers’ scarlet robe on Christ). Why Place Scarlet over the Table of the Presence? • The table held the “bread of the Presence” (Exodus 25:30) — a continual witness to God’s fellowship with Israel. • Covering the bread with scarlet linked that fellowship to blood-bought access, anticipating Christ: – John 6:35 “I am the bread of life.” – 1 Corinthians 10:16 “The cup of blessing… the bread that we break… sharing in the blood… the body of Christ.” • The scarlet cloth declared that life-giving communion is possible only through substitutionary sacrifice. • After the scarlet came “fine leather” (often interpreted as durable sea-cow or dolphin skin). The sequence is striking: heaven-colored blue (v. 7) → blood-colored scarlet (v. 8) → rugged leather for the journey. God dwells in glory, grants access through shed blood, and then shields His redeemed through every wilderness mile. Foreshadowing Christ • Jesus, the greater Bread, is presented in the Gospels under a scarlet covering—His own blood (Matthew 26:28). • The table’s poles stayed inserted (Numbers 4:8), showing readiness to move. Likewise, redemption travels with God’s people wherever He leads (Hebrews 13:20-21). • The combination of bread and scarlet anticipates the Lord’s Supper: body and blood remembered together (Luke 22:19-20). Takeaways for Today • Fellowship with God remains inseparable from Christ’s atoning blood; the scarlet cloth is a vivid reminder. • Worship that honors the sacrifice of Jesus is both reverent (holy coverings) and mobile (ready poles); it goes with us outside the sanctuary. • Every time Scripture mentions scarlet, recall the scarlet cloth of Numbers 4:8—God’s visual sermon that redemption covers His provision and presence. |
    |