The Messiah And The Crimson Worm

Psalm 22 is known as a messianic Psalm. Words from the psalm are quoted by Jesus on the cross, and words from the psalm describe what Jesus felt and experienced at the crucifixion.

Verse six is of special note, reading “I am a worm.” The word for worm refers specifically to the crimson or scarlet worm, in Hebrew “tola’ath”. Red dye for the tabernacle and the clothing of the high priest in the time of Moses was made from this worm. The red in the fabric indicated sacrifice, a symbol of blood being shed as a consequence for sin.

Also of particular note is Isaiah 1:18 which describes scarlet sins becoming white as snow. The word “scarlet” here in Isaiah is from the same root word for “scarlet worm.”

So what is a scarlet worm? In the Middle East where this particular worm is found, it gets its name from the red color of its body and its blood. In essence Psalm 22 reads “I am a scarlet worm.”

When the scarlet worm is ready to lay eggs, it climbs and attaches itself to a tree above where it has deposited the eggs. It remains there for a few days, after which time it dies, and its body then releases the blood of the worm to create a protective barrier over its young found beneath. The surrounding tree bark is also left stained red. However, this blood loses its pigment over the next three days and leaves a white substance in its stead.

Years ago Corrie Ten Boom shared, “God does not have problems. Only plans.” Included in those plans are the promises that the light of the gospel will overcome the darkness of sin.

Psalm 22 was written about 1000 BC when King David, knowing the mind of Christ, was inspired to pen words about a worm, a worm that just so happens to attach itself to a tree, where it will die and shed its blood while protecting its young. In the midst of penning words about the cross, the Psalmist would describe a beautiful metaphor that can be easily missed, but is there for the world to see.

How far will God go to gain our attention? As far as it takes. Whether it is from turning water into wine, or some stones into bread; from calming seas to walking on water; to raising the dead and giving sight to the blind; over and over again this picture is painted: where sin increased, grace increased all the more.