The concept of the "scroll" in the Bible is rich with symbolic and literal significance, serving as a medium for divine revelation, prophecy, and the recording of God's covenant with His people. Scrolls are mentioned throughout both the Old and New Testaments, each instance contributing to a broader understanding of their purpose within the biblical narrative.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, scrolls are often associated with the recording of God's laws and commandments. One of the earliest references is found in Exodus 24:7, where Moses reads from the "Book of the Covenant" to the Israelites: "Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it to the people, who replied, 'All that the LORD has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient.'" . This scroll served as a tangible representation of the covenant between God and Israel, emphasizing the importance of obedience and the written word in maintaining the relationship between God and His people.

The prophet Jeremiah also highlights the purpose of scrolls in conveying divine messages. In Jeremiah 36, God instructs Jeremiah to write all the words He has spoken to him on a scroll. This scroll was intended to warn the people of Judah of impending judgment and to call them to repentance. Despite King Jehoiakim's attempt to destroy the scroll by burning it, God commands Jeremiah to rewrite the words, underscoring the indestructible nature of God's word and its purpose in guiding and correcting His people.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the scroll takes on an eschatological dimension, particularly in the Book of Revelation. Revelation 5:1-5 describes a scroll in the right hand of God, sealed with seven seals. This scroll represents the unfolding of God's ultimate plan for redemption and judgment. The Lamb, identified as Jesus Christ, is the only one worthy to open the scroll, signifying His unique role in executing God's divine purposes. The opening of each seal reveals a portion of God's plan, demonstrating the scroll's function as a revelation of future events and the culmination of history.

The scrolls in the New Testament also serve as a testament to the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. In Luke 4:17-21, Jesus reads from the scroll of the prophet Isaiah in the synagogue, declaring the fulfillment of the prophecy in their hearing. This act signifies the transition from the old covenant to the new, with Jesus as the embodiment of God's promises and the inaugurator of the Kingdom of God.

Symbolic and Theological Significance

Theologically, scrolls in the Bible symbolize the authority and permanence of God's word. They serve as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His promises and His sovereign control over history. The physical act of writing on a scroll and the subsequent reading of it emphasize the importance of the written word in preserving and transmitting divine truth across generations.

Moreover, scrolls highlight the role of human agency in the divine narrative. Prophets, apostles, and scribes were entrusted with the task of recording God's words, demonstrating the partnership between the divine and human in the communication of God's will. This partnership underscores the responsibility of God's people to engage with and respond to His word, as it is revealed through the scrolls.

In summary, the purpose of the scroll in the biblical context is multifaceted, encompassing the recording of divine law, the communication of prophecy, the revelation of eschatological events, and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Through these scrolls, God reveals His character, His expectations for His people, and His ultimate purposes for creation.