Welcome to my blog, ROLLED SCROLL, where I follow cultural and literary images found in the Bible to unearth God’s meaning in His pattern of usage.
SCROLL
A rolled scroll promises proclamation. Can’t you just picture Cinderella peeking at the king’s footman from behind lace curtains, holding her breath as he unfurls his parchment in pomp and splendor to announce the upcoming Royal Ball?
Of course, literary tradition loftier than the fairy tale has for centuries employed the metaphysical motif of the scroll. But the likes of Shakespeare, Dickens, and Tennyson didn’t originate the symbolism. Their common cultural understanding was founded on the primary source of the Bible, for God Himself used the image of the scroll in illustrating His meaning.
We see, for example, that God instructed Moses to write His words on a scroll “as something to be remembered,” and directed others to keep a permanent record of His law and the sayings of the prophets (Exod. 17:14; Deut. 17:18; Jer. 36:2). But Isaiah warned that the scroll of God’s Word can’t be understood by those in spiritual stupor—the blind and deaf whose calloused hearts are far from Him (Isa. 29:11-13; Isa. 6:10; cf. Matt. 13:10-15). Ezekiel and, later, John the Baptist were told to eat the scroll of God’s words, sweet as honey on the tongue—that is, to absorb God’s message into their very being (Ezek. 2:8-10; Ezek. 3:1-3; Rev. 10:8-11). In Daniel’s vision, the scroll of future events was sealed until a day yet to come (Dan. 12:4-9). On the other hand, Zechariah’s flying scroll of condemnation stretched open like a waving banner for all to read (Zech. 5:1-4). Just before the close of the Old Testament, a “scroll of remembrance” was written to register the names of those who honor the Lord—His “treasured possession” (Mal. 3:16-17).
After four hundred years of biblical silence, the New Testament opens with the gospels showing Jesus in the synagogue unrolling the scroll of the Scriptures to declare the prophecy fulfilled by His own coming (Luke 4:16-21). By way of Jesus’ death and resurrection, God’s holy requirements outlined in the blood-splattered scroll of the law were once and for all fulfilled (Heb. 9:19-22). Christ Himself as the last and complete sacrifice said, “Here I am—it is written about me in the scroll—I have come to do your will, O God” (Heb. 10:7, NIV). Finally, in a future day yet to dawn, the sacrificial Lamb of God will open the seals on the scrolls of judgment (Rev. 5:1-14). The skies will be rolled up and stars dissolved, and Jesus will sit upon the throne of David to fulfill the purpose of time (Isa. 34:4; 1 Cor. 15:28).
In short, God’s literary choice of the scroll signifies His workings in history and His plan for relationship with humanity through Jesus Christ.
Like Cinderella, I love listening to the proclamation of the King in His Word. And though I’m not a Shakespeare, Dickens, or Tennyson, I’m responding with my own “scroll” jottings here on this site. They’re not inspired missive or world-famous composition or even humble folk legend. They’re just an attempt at retelling timeless truths written first by God Himself, the Author with authority to direct our steps. My heart echoes Job’s longing:
Oh, that my words were recorded, that they were written on a scroll . . . I know that my Redeemer lives! (Job 19:23-25 NIV)
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These short literary articles tied to the Bible explore what God might have been saying in His pattern of usage for each symbol. English rendition of the original Hebrew, Aramaic, or Greek varies with translations (e.g., “scroll” is sometimes interchangeable with “book”); however, the visual quality and underlying meaning of the selected emblem remain consistent across versions. Sketches are by Lorenda Harder.