Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the use of fringes on the borders of garments serves as a significant object lesson, deeply rooted in the covenantal relationship between God and His people. This practice is primarily derived from the instructions given in the Torah, specifically in the books of Numbers and Deuteronomy.Biblical Mandate The commandment regarding fringes is found in Numbers 15:37-41 , where the LORD instructs Moses: "Speak to the Israelites and tell them to make tassels on the corners of their garments for generations to come, and to put a blue cord on the tassel of each corner. You will have these tassels to look at so that you will remember all the commands of the LORD, that you may obey them and not prostitute yourselves by following your own hearts and eyes. Then you will remember and obey all My commandments, and you will be holy to your God. I am the LORD your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt to be your God. I am the LORD your God." Similarly, Deuteronomy 22:12 reiterates this command: "You shall make tassels on the four corners of the cloak you wear." Symbolism and Purpose The fringes, or tassels, known in Hebrew as "tzitzit," serve as a physical and visual reminder of the Israelites' obligation to the commandments of God. The inclusion of a blue cord, traditionally dyed with a rare and costly dye known as "tekhelet," symbolizes the divine and heavenly nature of the commandments. The color blue is often associated with the sky and, by extension, the throne of God, as seen in Exodus 24:10 : "and they saw the God of Israel. Under His feet was a work like a pavement made of sapphire, as clear as the sky itself." The fringes are thus a daily, tangible reminder of the covenant between God and His people, encouraging them to live in holiness and obedience. They serve as a deterrent against sin, prompting the wearer to remember God's laws and to act in accordance with His will. Cultural and Historical Context In ancient Near Eastern cultures, clothing often held symbolic significance, and the Israelites were no exception. The practice of wearing fringes distinguished the Israelites from surrounding nations, marking them as a people set apart for God. This distinctiveness was not merely external but was intended to reflect an internal commitment to God's statutes. New Testament References The New Testament also alludes to the practice of wearing fringes. In the Gospels, Jesus is described as wearing a garment with fringes. In Matthew 9:20 , a woman suffering from a bleeding disorder reaches out to touch the "fringe of His cloak," believing that doing so would heal her. This act underscores the continued observance of this commandment during the time of Jesus and highlights the fringes as a point of contact with the divine. Theological Implications The instruction to wear fringes on the borders of garments underscores the importance of remembrance and obedience in the life of a believer. It serves as a perpetual reminder of God's deliverance and His ongoing presence in the lives of His people. The fringes are a call to holiness, urging the faithful to align their actions with God's commandments and to live as a testament to His sovereignty and grace. In summary, the fringes on the borders of garments are a profound object lesson in the biblical narrative, symbolizing the covenantal relationship between God and His people and serving as a constant reminder of the call to holiness and obedience. Nave's Topical Index Numbers 15:38,39Speak to the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put on the fringe of the borders a ribbon of blue: Nave's Topical Index Resources What is doctrine? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about Sunday school? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to preach the Word (2 Timothy 4:2)? | GotQuestions.org Instruction: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Instruction by Object Lessons: Basket of Figs Instruction by Object Lessons: Bonds and Yokes Instruction by Object Lessons: Eating and Drinking Sparingly Instruction by Object Lessons: Eating Bread Mixed With Dung Instruction by Object Lessons: Fringes on the Borders of Garments Instruction by Object Lessons: Illustrations on a Tile Instruction by Object Lessons: Lying on One Side in Public View for a Long Period Instruction by Object Lessons: Moving Household Goods Instruction by Object Lessons: Potter's Vessel Instruction by Object Lessons: Shaving the Head Instruction by Object Lessons: Sighing Instruction by Object Lessons: Symbolically Wearing Sackcloth and Going Barefoot Instruction by Object Lessons: The Boiling Pot Instruction by Object Lessons: The Linen Sash Instruction by Object Lessons: The Pillar of Twelve Stones at the Fords of the Jordan River Instruction by Object Lessons: The Pot of Manna Instruction by Object Lessons: Two Sticks Joined Together Instruction by Object Lessons: Widowhood Instruction: from the Study of Human Nature Instruction: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Related Terms |