Dyeing

Dyeing surfaces in scripture chiefly as a craft for sanctuary materials and as an image of the warrior coming back from battle. The practice is named only a handful of times, and the imagery is concentrated.

Rams' Skins Dyed Red for the Tabernacle

In the inventory of materials Israel is to bring for the tabernacle, "rams' skins dyed red" are listed alongside the goats' hair, sealskins, and acacia wood: "and rams' skins dyed red, and sealskins, and acacia wood" (Ex 25:5). When the construction proceeds, those dyed skins become the outer covering of the tent: "And you will make a covering for the tent of rams' skins dyed red, and a covering of sealskins above" (Ex 26:14). The treated and dyed hides form the protective layer over the inner curtains.

Dyed Garments from Bozrah

Isaiah's vision of the divine warrior coming from Edom uses dyed clothing as a battle-image — the deep stain of the garments raises the question of who the figure is and where he has come from: "Who is this that comes from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? This who is glorious in his apparel, striding in the greatness of his strength? I who speak [by my Speech] in righteousness, with full resources to save" (Isa 63:1). The reply identifies the speaker as the one whose Speech is righteous and whose resources are sufficient to save.