Lexical Summary metsillah: Deep, Depths Original Word: מְצִלָּה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance bell From tsalal; a tinkler, i.e. A bell -- bell. see HEBREW tsalal NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom tsalal Definition a bell NASB Translation bells (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [מְצִלָּה] noun feminine bell (from tinkling); — plural construct מְצִלּוֺת הַסּוּס Zechariah 14:20. Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence Zechariah 14:20 is the sole instance where the term appears: “On that day, HOLINESS TO THE LORD will be inscribed on the bells of the horses, and the pots in the house of the LORD will be like the sprinkling bowls before the altar.” (Berean Standard Bible) Context within Zechariah 14 The chapter portrays the climactic “Day of the LORD,” when the Messiah reigns from Jerusalem and all nations gather to worship. By placing the sacred inscription on the bells of common work-animals, the prophet pictures a world in which every sphere of life—military, agricultural, domestic, and liturgical—is permeated by sanctity. The separation between “holy” and “profane” collapses, not by diminishing holiness, but by extending it universally. Cultural and Historical Background Small metallic bells were familiar throughout the Ancient Near East. They served practical purposes—alerting travelers to pack animals, signaling a procession, or distinguishing ownership—yet they also bore religious symbolism. Archaeological excavations have recovered bronze and copper bells from Persian-period strata, roughly contemporary with Zechariah, corroborating the prophet’s imagery. Connection to Priestly Symbolism Bells already featured in Israel’s cultic life. The high priest’s robe bore golden bells alternating with pomegranates (Exodus 28:33–35), their sound announcing his movements within the sanctuary “so that he will not die.” Likewise, a gold plate engraved “HOLINESS TO THE LORD” rested on the high priest’s forehead (Exodus 28:36–38). Zechariah unites these two priestly motifs—the bells and the inscription—and transfers them to horses, emblems of power and war (Psalm 147:10). The horse, once prohibited from temple courts, now bears priestly adornment, illustrating the triumph of divine holiness over every arena of human endeavor. Theological Significance 1. Universal Holiness: The text anticipates a redemptive order where even mundane utensils become consecrated (cf. Zechariah 14:21). This resonates with passages that foresee the earth “filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD” (Habakkuk 2:14). Christological Foreshadowing The sanctifying reach of the Messiah’s kingdom finds fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who “through His own blood… has consecrated for us a new and living way” (Hebrews 10:19-20). The distinctive holiness once confined to the priest’s garments now encompasses believers who are called “a royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9). The prophetic image of inscribed bells anticipates the believer’s new identity in Christ, whose lordship redeems both worship and work. Practical Ministry Implications • Vocation as Worship: Zechariah’s vision challenges Christians to dedicate every occupation to the Lord, echoing Colossians 3:23. Archaeological and Literary Notes Ancient bells typically measured two to four centimeters, cast in bronze with a metal tongue producing a clear tone. In Hebrew poetry, bells are associated with sound and movement (Song of Songs 4:13 in later rabbinic interpretation), reinforcing Zechariah’s auditory symbolism: the very ringing of daily activity proclaims “HOLINESS TO THE LORD.” Related Passages for Further Study Exodus 28:33-38; Isaiah 23:18; Isaiah 35:8; Ezekiel 44:23; Habakkuk 2:14; Romans 12:1; Revelation 21:27. Summary Strong’s Hebrew 4698 epitomizes the prophetic hope that holiness will infuse every facet of creation. From the high priest’s sanctuary bells to the horses’ harnesses in Zechariah’s eschaton, the ringing sound heralds a world reconciled to God through the redemptive work of the promised King. Forms and Transliterations מְצִלּ֣וֹת מצלות mə·ṣil·lō·wṯ məṣillōwṯ metzilLotLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Zechariah 14:20 HEB: יִֽהְיֶה֙ עַל־ מְצִלּ֣וֹת הַסּ֔וּס קֹ֖דֶשׁ NAS: In that day there will [be inscribed] on the bells of the horses, KJV: In that day shall there be upon the bells of the horses, INT: become and the bells of the horses HOLY 1 Occurrence |
    |