Refreshment in Refuge
by Gina Burgess
21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household, for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
The word translated scarlet is שׁני shânı̂y (shaw-nee') Of uncertain derivation; crimson, properly the insect which is the Coccus ilicis, an insect which infests oak trees, called kermes by the Arabians. This insect used to extract the color crimson when it was boiled. It also meant “shining” because of the brilliance of the color, and to get that color it was double-dipped. More on this in a moment.
Since a color cannot protect from cold or dirt, we must look at the word before it, clothed: לבשׁ לבשׁ lâbash lâbêsh (law-bash', law-bashe'), which is a primitive root meaning properly wrap around, that is, (by implication) to put on a garment. It is a double word, double emphasis, followed by a word meaning double-dipped in a broad sense. Gill says “the Vulgate Latin version renders it, “with double”, that is, with double garments; and so the Septuagint and Arabic versions, joining the words to a following verse; and this, by some, is thought to be the better rendering of the words…” Therefore we can assume that in the winter, her family was wrapped up snug as a bug in a rug, in a manner of speaking.
Clothing in scarlet was a rich man’s blessing. It took tremendous effort to wring the one or two drops of crimson dye from the female worm that provided this color in Biblical days. The word also means “double” or “double-dipped”. The color meant “to shine” which denoted the brilliance of the color.
Scarlet thread was used to save Rahab’s family when the walls fell around Jericho, it was used in the cleansing rites of the leper, and of course the theme of the Scarlet Thread throughout the Old Testament refers to Jesus Christ our Kinsman Redeemer. The reference to snow, referring to the cold of winter, gives the reader a glimpse into the fruits of the season of preparation: No fear. I cannot help but correlate how closely this verse relates to God speaking through Isaiah in Isaiah 1:17 Learn to do good, seek justice, straighten the oppressor, judge the orphan, strive for the widow. 18 Come now and let us reason together, says Jehovah: Though your sins are as scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they are red as the crimson, they shall be like wool. When we have labored and prepared, we have no reason to fear because God will take care of us all the days of our lives.
22 She makes coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple.
The scarlet and purple were colors for high ranking society, and the fine linen is talked about in Scripture for the priests. What is so interesting to note, we see bright white fine linen will clothe the Bride of Christ. In Revelation 19:8 And it was given to her that she be clothed in fine linen, pure and bright; for the fine linen is the righteousness of the saints. The bridal dress is the righteous acts of the saints. What an amazing correlation, she is worthy of fine linen just as the Bride of Christ is worthy. Sometimes our society equates high rank with fluffy dogs and eating bonbons—we should take a lesson from Wonder Woman. Her hands are busy with ministering to the needs of others. Ministry produces love and love dispels despair. She ministers, and her acts are considered as worthy as the Bride of Christ. Please also note that she wears purple, just as the twenty-four elders do in Revelation. If we back up a step or two to absorb the whole picture of this Paragon, we can see all her attributes read like a blueprint for the Christian lifestyle. That is not accidental or coincidence.
23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.
Is this because of her? Yes. And no. She is valiant, and makes good society with the other women of the community. This reflects well upon her husband, and brings him up in stature in the eyes of the community. Just as his conduct and presence reflects upon her. They are made one in marriage. However, the fact that he sits among the elders of the land is a huge honor and great importance, therefore it she is honored by his circumstance.
Domestic Diva that she is, her husband isn’t distracted by mundane household problems so he can pay attention to the matters of state which elders handled while sitting in the gates. One has to think about how Christ is pictured the betrothed Husband of the Bride, and we can certainly correlate this verse to Christ for He is known in the gates of Zion. He does sit among the elders and the pastors and the churches for these, as well as individuals, He fell in love with and betrothed Himself to us looking forward to a glorious wedding when the Father finally says, “Go get your Bride, Son.” What a fabulous day that will be, I can hardly wait.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies belts to the tradesmen.
Okay… so now she is Wonder Woman. Of course, back then there wasn’t TV or telephones and I suppose if I got up way before dawn, I’d have time to sew enough clothes for winter and summer plus some to sell in the marketplace, too. This is a worthy occupation. Remember Tabitha, or Dorcas? She was the woman in Acts whom Peter raised from the dead after praying over her. Acts 9:36 She was full of good works and of alms which she did. When Peter arrived at the home where she was, all the widows stood by him and showing him all the tunics and garments she had made while being with them. There is an entire sermon in those few verses.
25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future.
We could also add righteous acts. She smiles because there is absolutely nothing to fear. What ever the future holds, she knows God is sovereign and in control. This is precisely how we should be living our lives because we will be wearing our righteous acts. Who wants to be wearing a mini-skirt in heaven?
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She is the author of several books including: When Christians Hurt Christians, The Crowns of the Believers and others available in online bookstores. She authors several columns, using her God-given talent to shine a light in a dark world. You can browse her blog at Refreshment In Refuge.
If you'd like to take a look at some Christian fiction and Christian non-fiction book reviews before the books hit the book store shelves, check out Gina's book reviews at Upon Reflection
Gina is a partner and COO of Common Sense Marketing Strategies, LLC that owns Authors Community and eBookChristian.com
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