Frontlets, also known as phylacteries, are small leather boxes containing Hebrew texts written on parchment. These are traditionally worn by observant Jewish men during weekday morning prayers. The practice is rooted in several passages from the Torah, where the Israelites are commanded to bind God's words as a sign upon their hands and as frontlets between their eyes.

Biblical References:

The primary scriptural basis for the use of frontlets is found in the Pentateuch. In Deuteronomy 6:8, the Israelites are instructed: "Tie them as reminders on your hands and bind them on your foreheads." Similarly, Exodus 13:9 states, "It shall be a sign for you on your hand and a reminder on your forehead, that the law of the LORD is to be on your lips. For with a mighty hand the LORD brought you out of Egypt." These verses emphasize the importance of keeping God's commandments at the forefront of daily life, both physically and spiritually.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The use of phylacteries is a practice that dates back to ancient Judaism. The term "phylactery" comes from the Greek word "phylakterion," meaning a safeguard or amulet, reflecting the protective and sacred nature attributed to these items. The Hebrew term "tefillin" is more commonly used within Jewish tradition. Tefillin consist of two boxes: one is worn on the arm, and the other on the forehead. Each box contains specific passages from the Torah, including Exodus 13:1-10, Exodus 13:11-16, Deuteronomy 6:4-9, and Deuteronomy 11:13-21.

New Testament References:

In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the use of phylacteries in a critique of the Pharisees. In Matthew 23:5, He states, "All their deeds are done for men to see. They broaden their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels." This passage highlights the potential for religious practices to become superficial or ostentatious, rather than sincere expressions of faith and obedience to God.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, frontlets serve as a tangible reminder of the covenant relationship between God and His people. They symbolize the need for constant mindfulness of God's laws and the integration of faith into every aspect of life. The physical act of wearing phylacteries is intended to reinforce the spiritual discipline of keeping God's commandments at the center of one's thoughts and actions.

Modern Practice:

Today, the wearing of tefillin remains a significant ritual in Orthodox and some Conservative Jewish communities. It is typically performed during weekday morning prayers, with the exception of the Sabbath and certain holy days. The practice is seen as a fulfillment of the biblical commandments and a continuation of a long-standing tradition that connects contemporary believers with their ancient heritage.

In summary, frontlets or phylacteries are deeply rooted in biblical instruction and Jewish tradition, serving as a physical manifestation of the call to live a life centered on God's word.Frontlets or Phylacteries

(Exodus 13:16; 6:8; 11:18; Matthew 23:5) These "frontlets" or "phylacteries" were strips of parchment, on which were written four passages of Scripture, (Exodus 13:2-10,11-17; 6:4-9,13-23) in an ink prepared for the purpose. They were then rolled up in a case of black calfskin, which was attached to a stiffer piece of leather, having a thong one finger broad and one and a half cubits long. They were placed at the bend of the left arm. Those worn on the forehead were written on four strips of parchment, and put into four little cells within a square case on which the letter was written. The square had two thongs, on which Hebrew letters were inscribed. That phylacteries were used as amulets is certain, and was very natural. The expression "they make broad their phylacteries," (Matthew 23:5) refers not so much to the phylactery itself, which seems to have been of a prescribed breadth, as to the case in which the parchment was kept, which the Pharisees, among their other pretentious customs, (Mark 7:3,4; Luke 5:33) etc., made as conspicuous as they could. It is said that the Pharisees wore them always, whereas the common people only used them at prayers.

The God of the Rain
... my words for a sign upon your hands, and they shall be as frontlets between your ...
and wrists, and the hems of their robes, enlarging their phylacteries, as our ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon xvii the god of.htm

Matt. xxiii. 1-3.
... from their hands (wherefore also He said, "They shall be immoveable in thine eyes"),
[2661] which they called phylacteries; as many ... AV "as frontlets between.". ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxxii matt xxiii 1-3.htm

Woes on the Pharisees
... them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine ... they
do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 67 woes on the.htm

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