Topical Bible: Token: Scarlet Thread

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The scarlet thread is a significant symbol found in the Bible, representing themes of redemption, protection, and covenant. It appears in several key narratives, each illustrating its profound theological implications.

1. The Story of Tamar and Judah (Genesis 38:27-30):

The first mention of a scarlet thread occurs in the account of Tamar and Judah. Tamar, Judah's daughter-in-law, disguises herself and conceives twins by him. During childbirth, one of the twins, Zerah, extends his hand out of the womb, and the midwife ties a scarlet thread around his wrist to mark him as the firstborn. However, his brother Perez is born first. This incident, while seemingly minor, foreshadows the theme of unexpected reversal and divine intervention, as Perez becomes an ancestor of King David and, ultimately, Jesus Christ.

2. The Scarlet Cord of Rahab (Joshua 2:18-21):

Another prominent appearance of the scarlet thread is in the account of Rahab, the harlot of Jericho. When Joshua sends spies to scout the city, Rahab hides them and, in return, asks for protection for her family. The spies instruct her to tie a scarlet cord in her window as a sign of her household's safety during the impending conquest. "Behold, when we come into the land, you must tie this scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down, and you must gather your father and mother and brothers and all your father’s household into your house" (Joshua 2:18). The scarlet cord serves as a token of the covenant between Rahab and the Israelites, symbolizing salvation through faith and obedience.

3. Symbolism and Theological Implications:

The scarlet thread is rich in symbolism, often associated with blood, sacrifice, and redemption. In the context of Rahab, the scarlet cord prefigures the blood of Christ, which offers protection and salvation to those who believe. The color scarlet, a vivid red, is frequently linked to atonement and purification in the sacrificial system of the Old Testament.

4. The Scarlet Thread in Christian Theology:

In Christian theology, the concept of the "scarlet thread" is sometimes used metaphorically to describe the continuity of God's redemptive plan throughout Scripture. This "thread" weaves through the Bible, from the sacrifices in the Old Testament to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. It highlights the consistent theme of God's provision for salvation and the fulfillment of His promises.

5. Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient times, scarlet dye was costly and labor-intensive to produce, often reserved for significant or sacred purposes. This cultural context underscores the importance and value of the scarlet thread as a symbol within the biblical narrative.

The scarlet thread, therefore, serves as a powerful token within the biblical text, pointing to God's faithfulness, the promise of redemption, and the unfolding of His divine plan through history.

Nave's Topical Index

Joshua 2:18,21
Behold, when we come into the land, you shall bind this line of scarlet thread in the window which you did let us down by: and you shall bring your father, and your mother, and your brothers, and all your father's household, home to you.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Seal and Earnest
... Is it woven into the whole length of your being, like the scarlet thread that is ...
Further, this sealing, which is thus the token of God's ownership, is also the ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/seal and earnest.htm

Chapter xxxviii
... whorish debts, The Adullamite seems to regard such service as a true token of
friendship ... put out a hand and the midwife took it and tied a scarlet thread on his ...
/.../leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxviii.htm

Whether There Can be any Suitable Cause for the Sacraments of the ...
... wood," which denotes the height of hope or contemplation; "hyssop," in token of
humility ... hyssop should be tied to the cedar-wood with a scarlet thread, so that ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether there can be any 2.htm

Interpretation of Prophecy.
... two sons in one day was to be a token of the ... these two beasts) the woman riding upon
a scarlet-colored beast ... to the unity of a web, in which each thread of the ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxviii interpretation of prophecy.htm

Who Can Tell?
... Feeble is the thread of life, a spider's web is a ... saith the Lord: though your sins
be as scarlet they shall ... add, "I will have no mercy, this is a happy token. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/who can tell.htm

Instruction for the Ignorant:
... them also that they receive it as a token of my ... thou hangest over hell, by the weak
thread of an ... are so worded, that they that are scarlet sinners, crimson ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/instruction for the ignorant .htm

Treatise on Christ and Antichrist.
... flesh wrought (woven) by the Spirit, and the thread is the ... was clothed in fine linen,
and purple, and scarlet, and decked ... [1473] [Note this token, that, with ...
/.../treatise on christ and antichrist.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
... Word and Spirit of God: Wherefore 'I will not take' of them 'from a thread even
to ... she is under the scourge of the dragon, beast, and the woman in scarlet, &c. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm

A Traveler's Note-Book
... "Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be
red like crimson, they shall be as wool." "Comfort ye, comfort ye my people ...
/.../merriam/the chief end of man/iii a travelers note-book.htm

A Few Sighs from Hell;
... judge according to outward appearance, do for the most part judge amiss (John
7:24).2. That they who look upon their outward enjoyments to be token of God's ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a few sighs from hell.htm