“Make the tabernacle with ten curtains of finely twisted linen and blue, purple, and scarlet yarn.” Exodus 26:1
The colors mentioned throughout the Bible span a spectrum from earthy rust to regal blue. Notably, the colors chosen for the Tabernacle’s curtains were among the most costly and precious.

The Source of Colors

Common colors in ancient times were derived from natural sources: yellow from yarn dipped in boiled onion leaves, rust from pomegranates, green from fig leaves, and tan from walnuts. However, the Tabernacle’s curtains featured hues obtained from the Murex trunculus snail. When crushed and exposed to the Mediterranean sun, this snail produced a rich blend of inky blues and reds. Perhaps these were the same colors woven into Joseph’s robe, which so provoked his brothers.

The Value and Permanence of Colors

Why were these colors so expensive? The exorbitant cost was partly due to the vast quantities of snails required and the labor-intensive process involved. Additionally, these colors were known for their remarkable durability. I have personally observed ancient garments, thousands of years old, still retaining their vibrant blue dyes. This enduring quality is why the Bible uses the comparison of sin to the permanent dye, scarlet.
Sin and Redemption
“Come now, and let us reason together,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18
Like sin, scarlet was costly and difficult to remove. Many attempt to rid themselves of sin’s stain through therapy, medication, name changes, or even relocation. Yet, there is hope: the Lord offers a solution for sin’s scarlet stain—atonement through the blood of Yeshua.

Reasoning with the Lord

The path to removing the stain of sin begins by reasoning with the Lord. The Hebrew word for “reason” suggests a serious, perhaps intense, discussion until agreement is reached. It may seem unusual to think we need to reason with the Lord, but removing sin requires active participation on our part. We ‘reason’ with the Lord by aligning ourselves with His perspective on our sin. Acknowledging, confessing, and turning away from our sin is the only way to cleanse our scarlet stains.