Scarlet cloth, a richly colored fabric, holds significant symbolic and practical importance throughout the Bible. The vibrant red hue of scarlet is often associated with wealth, power, and sin, as well as purification and redemption. This entry explores the various uses and symbolic meanings of scarlet cloth in the biblical narrative.

Old Testament References

Scarlet cloth is frequently mentioned in the construction and adornment of the Tabernacle, the portable dwelling place of God among the Israelites. In Exodus 25-40, God provides Moses with detailed instructions for the Tabernacle's construction, including the use of scarlet yarn. Exodus 26:1 states, "You are to make the tabernacle with ten curtains of finely spun linen, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, with cherubim skillfully worked into them." The use of scarlet, along with blue and purple, signifies the majesty and holiness of God's dwelling place.

Scarlet is also used in the priestly garments, as described in Exodus 28. The ephod, a sacred vestment worn by the high priest, is made with gold, blue, purple, and scarlet yarn. Exodus 28:6 instructs, "They are to make the ephod of finely spun linen, embroidered with gold, with blue, purple, and scarlet yarn." The inclusion of scarlet in the priestly attire underscores the sanctity and authority of the priesthood.

In the purification rituals, scarlet wool is used as part of the cleansing process. Leviticus 14:4 describes the ritual for cleansing a leper: "the priest shall order that two live clean birds, cedar wood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop be brought for the one to be cleansed." Here, scarlet symbolizes the transition from impurity to purity, reflecting the transformative power of God's forgiveness.

Symbolism of Sin and Redemption

Scarlet is often associated with sin and its consequences. In Isaiah 1:18 , the prophet uses scarlet to illustrate the stain of sin: "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they shall be like wool." This passage highlights the redemptive power of God, who can cleanse even the deepest sins.

The account of Rahab in Joshua 2 also features scarlet as a symbol of salvation. Rahab, a prostitute in Jericho, hides Israelite spies and is instructed to tie a scarlet cord in her window as a sign for her household to be spared during the city's conquest. Joshua 2:18 states, "unless we enter the land, you have tied this scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down." The scarlet cord serves as a sign of protection and deliverance, prefiguring the redemptive work of Christ.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, scarlet appears in the context of Jesus' crucifixion. The Roman soldiers mockingly dress Jesus in a scarlet robe, symbolizing both royalty and mockery. Matthew 27:28 records, "They stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him." This act of mockery ironically affirms Jesus' true kingship and foreshadows His sacrificial death for the redemption of humanity.

The Book of Revelation also uses scarlet to depict the opulence and corruption of Babylon, a symbol of worldly power and sin. Revelation 17:4 describes the woman on the beast: "The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and precious stones and pearls." Here, scarlet represents the seductive allure of sin and the eventual judgment that follows.

Conclusion

Throughout the Bible, scarlet cloth serves as a multifaceted symbol, representing both the gravity of sin and the hope of redemption. Its use in sacred contexts underscores the holiness and majesty of God, while its association with sin and salvation points to the transformative power of divine grace.