I’m going to put my usual disclaimer here because I need to explain some things about my Christian beliefs for those who aren't familiar. It's for the purpose of understanding, not to try to force anyone's beliefs to align with mine. I do tend to use “our” or “us”, but I’m including fellow Christians, not those who don’t share my beliefs.
Back when God made the laws for His people, the Israelites, to follow, He had specific instructions for how to absolve one’s sins. It involved purification rituals and priests, which included the shedding of animal blood. Nowadays, we don’t have to do that anymore because we now live after Jesus died on the cross for our sins. This leads us into our passage for this week, but on the surface, it won’t look like it. Have patience. 🙂
She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Proverbs 31:21, 22 — Analytical Edition
What? What? And what, now? Snow doesn't even belong in the desert! Remember, the Israelites are in, well, Israel. It doesn't get snow.
SNOW: Hebrew: salag (say-lay-[hard]g) a primitive root; properly meaning to be white; used only as denominative from snow; to be snow-white (with the linen clothing): - be as snow
And what does it matter what color her household wears? And where does silk and purple fit into all this?
SILK: Hebrew: sayis (tszay-eetsz) from an unused root [word] meaning to bleach, i.e. whiten
These are all symbolic. She isn't afraid of the snow, meaning, she’s prepared to take on the cleansing of her household's sins. Covering them in scarlet symbolizes her duty to get the blood atonement for their sins. No, she can’t just go to the temple and do it herself. Only a priest can do the ritual, but it’s up to her to bring the sacrificial animal to the temple and have the rites performed to absolve her household. Just as she can’t perform the actual ritual, her household can’t simply go to the temple to get their sins forgiven. So her being clothed in silk and purple signifies her stepping in as her household's metaphorical priest (only priests and royalty were allowed to wear purple at this time) to get the cleansing on their behalf.
The coverings of tapestry again illustrates the purification rituals the priests have to perform after they’ve finished the cleansing of sin ritual with the person coming in to receive it for themselves and their household. It's their symbolic covering over of sins. Everything must be purified inside the tabernacle, including furniture, ornaments, etc.
This might explain it a little bit better….
When Moses had proclaimed every command of the law to all the people, he took the blood of calves, together with water, scarlet wool and branches of hyssop, and sprinkled the scroll and all the people. He said, “This is the blood of the covenant, which God has commanded you to keep.” In the same way, he sprinkled with the blood both the tabernacle and everything used in its ceremonies. In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. Hebrews 9:19-22 — New International Version
I think it’s safe to say that this part of Proverbs 31 doesn't even have relevance today, as far as salvation goes. However, it is important to remember what our Christian history is and from where it came.
Nerd alert! I got really excited studying these two verses, though, because I found it fascinating. But, I also think it helps prove the point that not everything in Proverbs 31 must be emulated. Especially these type of verses because that’s not how we get cleansed of sin anymore. It’s much easier now, and much more personal, as we have direct access to God, instead of having to go through a priest. And it’s each person's responsibility to confess their own sins to God. It’s no one else’s responsibility and it’s no one else’s business. ❤️
Have a blessed week!