Psalms 22 is often remembered for it's detailed account of our Savior's sufferings that he endured on the cross.  It explains very vividly how agonising and heart wrenching His sacrifice truly was.  But, what most believers tend to overlook is the message that is so subtly hidden in one hebrew word.  That word is found in verse 6.  "But I am a "worm" and no man.  Ever wondered why Jesus referred to Himself as a worm?  What's fascinating about this topic is how God orchestrates the scriptures and sets us up to diligently study His word in order to find hidden treasures like this one.  The word "worm" in this portion of scripture, when translated from the original hebrew text means "TOLAH."  This hebrew word does not simply mean worm, but actually refers to a specific worm.  This worm is called the "CRIMSON WORM."  Other worm references in the bible use the hebrew word "RIMMAH", which means maggot.  So, understanding the background of this crimson worm will bring you to a spiritual insight so astounding, all one can do is stand in awe of the vastness of our Creator.  

      The crimson worm is a female worm.  When it is time for her to give birth, she finds a tree or wooden post to attach herself to.  Once attached, she makes a hard crimson shell.  She is so strongly attached to this tree that she can't be removed without ripping her body apart and dying.  The scarlet colored worm then lays her eggs under her fastened body and the shell.  The shell is used for protection while her body is used for food.  They actually feed on her living body!  After a few days, the baby worms grow strong enough to survive on their own.  This is when the mother dies.  As she dies, she bleeds a scarlet red colored dye, which stains the children crimson for the rest of their lives!  There is also a red stain left on the tree.  After THREE days, the red stain turns into a white wax that falls to the ground like a snowflake!  WOW!!  Just think of how the life cycle of this worm resembles everything that Christ did for us.  From His sacrificing His life for His children, to covering us with His blood.  Then making us white as snow.  How fitting that the One by whom all things were made shows us His redemptive work through a creature He so delicately made!      

"COME NOW, AND LET US REASON TOGETHER, SAITH THE LORD: THOUGH YOUR SINS BE AS SCARLET, THEY SHALL BE AS WHITE AS SNOW; THOUGH THEY BE RED LIKE CRIMSON, THEY SHALL BE AS WOOL."  _*ISAIAH 1:18*_