Proverbs 31:21
21She is not afraid of snow for her household,
For all her household is clothed with scarlet.
-Proverbs 31:21
There is a myriad of ways wherein we can interpret this particular verse. Initially, we have the literal. The Proverbs 31 woman does not fear the threat of winter for she spares no expense in clothing her family. Scarlet was very expensive and it would be a testament to her character to care for her family.
As we consider the deeper meaning of the text, there is a scarlet thread to follow, so to speak. We often see scarlet typifying of salvation, and that salvation by the cross. This is practically an uncontested type and shadow throughout the Old Testament that prefigures the death of the Messiah. So what would the concern be with snow in this context? Snow usually typifies purity. Understand that if we are the mixture and the Lord is pure, we would have a right to fear. As the Lord is righteous, and we stand in wickedness, we would be opposed to God and opposed by God. We would have every right to fear. But those who are clothed in scarlet, that being the blood of Jesus, the garments of salvation, then we are purified and have no reason to fear.
Another potential interpretation has to do with snow being a term used for leprosy. If you follow this interpretation, it follows a theme of salvation throughout the Old Testament. See what the Psalmist says concerning this in Psalm 103.
2Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:
3Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
4Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
5Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
-Psalm 103:2-5
There is a fact that Jesus walked and healed the lepers, not fearing their disease. When everyone else withdrew, we see the scarlet thread, that being Christ, unafraid of it. We see the disciples follow in His footsteps in that regard as well. Those who are clothed in scarlet were unafraid of the snow.
Whichever you interpret it as, the theme that persists for the Church is that the blood of Jesus frees us from fear. We are free from the fear of judgment, condemnation, and shame. As it is then said in Hebrews,
16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
-Hebrews 4:16
For all her household is clothed with scarlet.
-Proverbs 31:21
There is a myriad of ways wherein we can interpret this particular verse. Initially, we have the literal. The Proverbs 31 woman does not fear the threat of winter for she spares no expense in clothing her family. Scarlet was very expensive and it would be a testament to her character to care for her family.
As we consider the deeper meaning of the text, there is a scarlet thread to follow, so to speak. We often see scarlet typifying of salvation, and that salvation by the cross. This is practically an uncontested type and shadow throughout the Old Testament that prefigures the death of the Messiah. So what would the concern be with snow in this context? Snow usually typifies purity. Understand that if we are the mixture and the Lord is pure, we would have a right to fear. As the Lord is righteous, and we stand in wickedness, we would be opposed to God and opposed by God. We would have every right to fear. But those who are clothed in scarlet, that being the blood of Jesus, the garments of salvation, then we are purified and have no reason to fear.
Another potential interpretation has to do with snow being a term used for leprosy. If you follow this interpretation, it follows a theme of salvation throughout the Old Testament. See what the Psalmist says concerning this in Psalm 103.
2Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:
3Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
4Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
5Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
-Psalm 103:2-5
There is a fact that Jesus walked and healed the lepers, not fearing their disease. When everyone else withdrew, we see the scarlet thread, that being Christ, unafraid of it. We see the disciples follow in His footsteps in that regard as well. Those who are clothed in scarlet were unafraid of the snow.
Whichever you interpret it as, the theme that persists for the Church is that the blood of Jesus frees us from fear. We are free from the fear of judgment, condemnation, and shame. As it is then said in Hebrews,
16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
-Hebrews 4:16
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