SCARLET and CRIMSON — the two words for the ancient world's costliest red. ⚠ tola literally means WORM: the dye came from the kermes scale insect, harvested and crushed by the thousand, and it was prized because it did NOT wash out. That is exactly why Isaiah 1:18 picks it — the image is of a stain chosen for its permanence, set against snow and undyed wool. The same scarlet thread runs through the tabernacle fabrics (Exodus 26:1) and the cleansing rites of Leviticus 14. → first discussed at Isaiah 1:18