Topical Encyclopedia Scarlet, a vivid red color with a slight orange tinge, holds significant symbolic and practical importance in the biblical narrative. This color is frequently associated with wealth, power, and sin, and it appears in various contexts throughout the Scriptures.Symbolism and Significance In biblical times, scarlet was a color of luxury and opulence, often linked to the garments of the wealthy and powerful. The dye used to produce scarlet was derived from the eggs of the kermes insect, making it both rare and expensive. As such, scarlet garments were a sign of status and authority. Scarlet also carries a symbolic weight in Scripture, often representing sin and impurity. This dual symbolism is evident in the prophetic literature, where scarlet is used to depict both the allure of sin and the possibility of redemption. Isaiah 1:18 captures this duality: "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 be like wool." Biblical References 1. Royalty and Wealth: Scarlet is frequently mentioned in the context of royal and luxurious garments. In 2 Samuel 1:24 , David laments the death of Saul and Jonathan, recalling how Saul clothed the daughters of Israel in scarlet and adorned them with gold jewelry, highlighting the king's wealth and the splendor of his reign. 2. Tabernacle and Temple: Scarlet was one of the colors used in the construction of the Tabernacle and the garments of the priests. Exodus 26:1 describes the instructions for the Tabernacle: "You are to make the tabernacle with ten curtains of finely twisted linen, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, with cherubim skillfully worked into them." The use of scarlet in the Tabernacle signifies the majesty and holiness of God's dwelling place among His people. 3. Sin and Redemption: As mentioned earlier, scarlet is used metaphorically to describe sin. The vividness of the color symbolizes the glaring nature of sin, yet it also points to the transformative power of God's forgiveness. The promise in Isaiah 1:18 of sins becoming "white as snow" underscores the hope of redemption and purification. 4. The Scarlet Woman: In Revelation 17:4 , scarlet is associated with the woman who represents Babylon, a symbol of corruption and immorality: "The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls. She held in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of her sexual immorality." Here, scarlet signifies the seductive and sinful nature of the world powers opposed to God. 5. Jesus' Mockery: Scarlet is also mentioned in the context of Jesus' passion. In Matthew 27:28 , the Roman soldiers mock Jesus by dressing Him in a scarlet robe: "They stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him." This act of mockery, intended to ridicule His claim to kingship, ironically affirms His true royal identity. In summary, the color scarlet in biblical texts serves as a multifaceted symbol, representing both the grandeur of royalty and the depth of human sin, while also pointing to the hope of divine redemption. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Samuel 1:24You daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet, with other delights, who put on ornaments of gold on your apparel. Torrey's Topical Textbook Daniel 5:7 Library Psalm XLV. Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ... The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal Solomon's Temple Spiritualized Some Gospel Truths Opened, According to the Scriptures; Or, the ... Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ; Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus. The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem: Resources What was the significance of the priestly garments? | GotQuestions.orgWhat did it mean to tear one's clothes in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Is there any significance to colors in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Garments: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Garments of Israel Preserved for Forty Years Garments of the Poor used As a Covering by Night Garments of the Poor: Not to be Retained in Pledge Garments of the Poor: Provided Specially by God Garments of the Rich of the Finest Materials Garments of the Rich: Embroidered Garments of the Rich: Gorgeous Garments of the Rich: Multiplied and Heaped Up Garments of the Rich: Often Moth-Eaten Garments of the Rich: Perfumed Garments of the Sexes, not to be Interchanged Garments of Those Slain With a Sword not Used Garments were often Fringed and Bordered Garments: (Rolled in Blood) Victory Garments: (Washed in Wine) Abundance Garments: (White) Righteousness Garments: Cleansed by Water from Ceremonial Uncleanness Garments: Colours of, Mentioned: Blue Garments: Colours of, Mentioned: Different Colours Garments: Colours of, Mentioned: Purple Garments: Colours of, Mentioned: Scarlet Garments: Colours of, Mentioned: White Garments: Girt up During Employment Garments: Given As a Token of Covenants Garments: Grew Old and Wore Out Garments: Hyke or Upper Garment Garments: Liable to Plague and Leprosy Garments: Materials Used for Camel's Hair Garments: Materials Used for Linen Garments: Materials Used for Sackcloth Garments: Materials Used for Silk Garments: Materials Used for Skins Garments: Materials Used for Wool Garments: Not to be Made of Mixed Materials Garments: Often Rent in Affliction Garments: Scribes and Pharisees Condemned for Making Broad the Borders Garments: Worn Long and Flowing Related Terms |
    |