Topical Encyclopedia The term "scarlet worm" refers to the insect Kermes vermilio or Coccus ilicis, which was historically used to produce a crimson or scarlet dye. This dye is mentioned in various contexts throughout the Bible, symbolizing wealth, power, and sometimes sin or purification. The scarlet dye was highly valued in ancient times for its vibrant color and was often used in the garments of the wealthy and in religious ceremonies.Biblical References: 1. Exodus 25:4 : "blue, purple, and scarlet yarn; fine linen and goat hair." The scarlet yarn mentioned here was part of the materials used for the construction of the Tabernacle. The use of scarlet, along with blue and purple, indicates its importance and value in the worship practices of the Israelites. 2. Isaiah 1:18 : "Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall become like wool." In this passage, scarlet is used metaphorically to represent sin. The promise of transformation from scarlet to white signifies the cleansing and forgiveness that God offers. 3. Proverbs 31:21 : "When it snows, she has no fear for her household, for all of them are clothed in scarlet." Here, scarlet is associated with the provision and care of a virtuous woman, indicating the quality and richness of the clothing she provides for her family. 4. Revelation 17:3-4 : "Then the angel carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness. There I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was covered with blasphemous names and had seven heads and ten horns. The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and was glittering with gold, precious stones, and pearls." In this apocalyptic vision, scarlet is associated with opulence and the corrupting influence of wealth and power. Symbolism and Significance: The scarlet worm and the dye it produces hold significant symbolic meaning in the Bible. The color scarlet is often associated with sin and impurity, as seen in Isaiah 1:18, yet it also represents wealth, status, and the divine, as evidenced by its use in the Tabernacle and the garments of the high priest (Exodus 28:5-6). The dual symbolism of scarlet as both sin and redemption highlights the transformative power of God's grace. In the context of ancient Israel, the process of obtaining the scarlet dye from the worm was labor-intensive and costly, further emphasizing its value. The dye was extracted by crushing the female insects, which were found on certain types of oak trees. This process can be seen as a metaphor for sacrifice and redemption, themes central to the Christian faith. The scarlet worm and its dye serve as a powerful reminder of the richness of biblical symbolism and the depth of meaning found in the Scriptures. Through the imagery of scarlet, the Bible communicates themes of sin, redemption, wealth, and divine provision, inviting believers to reflect on the transformative power of God's love and grace. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Scarlet WormSCARLET (WORM) (tola`ath shani (Exodus 25:4, etc.)): Cermes vermilio, a scale insect from which a red dye is obtained. Strong's Hebrew 8438. tola -- worm, scarlet stuff... often with ellipsis of shaniy) the crimson-grub, but used only (in this connection) of the color from it, and cloths dyed therewith -- crimson, scarlet, worm. ... /hebrew/8438.htm - 6k 8439. Towla' -- two men of Issachar Library The Twenty-Second Psalm. Conclusion. Clue to the Error of the Jews. Prophecy Sets Forth Two Different Conditions of Christ, one Lowly ... On Clothes. The Scaffolding Left in the Body Love Thy Neighbour The Poor in Spirit are Enriched with a Kingdom Hymns on the Nativity. Hymn i. This is the Day that Gladdened Them ... The Letter of the Church of Rome "Now the End of the Commandment," &C. Resources What is the significance of pomegranates in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Rahab in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What was the significance of the ephod? | GotQuestions.org Scarlet: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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