“A golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate, upon the hem of the robe round about.”
Context:The book of Exodus is the second book in the Bible and continues the narrative from Genesis. It covers the period of Israel’s slavery in Egypt, their miraculous deliverance led by Moses, and their journey to Mount Sinai. At Mount Sinai, God gives Moses detailed instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary where God would dwell among His people.
Exodus 28 focuses on the consecration and clothing of Aaron, the high priest, and his sons. It provides detailed instructions for their priestly garments. In verse 34, the focus is on the hem of the robe worn by the high priest.
Significance:The mention of the golden bell and pomegranate on the hem of the high priest’s robe holds both practical and symbolic significance.
- Identification of the High Priest: The high priest had a unique role in Israel’s religious life, serving as the mediator between God and the people. When he ministered in the Holy Place, the sound of the bells attached to his robe would be heard. The people outside the Tabernacle would know that the priest was actively performing his duties, offering sacrifices and interceding on their behalf before God.
- Holiness and Purity: The robe of the high priest was primarily made of blue fabric, symbolising heaven and divine origin. The golden bells and pomegranates on the hem represent beauty, holiness, and purity. The gold symbolises the divine, as it is a precious metal, and the pomegranates symbolise fruitfulness and prosperity. This attire emphasised the priest’s consecration and set him apart from the common people.
- Reminders of God’s Presence: The sound of the bells and the sight of the pomegranates would serve as reminders of God’s presence among His people. The high priest’s garments were not just for aesthetics but also to reinforce the understanding that they were engaging in sacred duties under the guidance and authority of the Almighty.
- Attention to Detail: The repetition of “a golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate” highlights the meticulousness with which God wanted everything to be made. This attention to detail conveyed the importance of reverence and obedience in worship and service to God.
Application:While the instructions given in Exodus 28:34 were specific to the high priest’s garments in the Old Testament, there are some valuable principles we can draw from this passage:
- Dedication to Sacred Service: Just as the high priest was consecrated for his role, Christians today are called to be consecrated and set apart for serving God. We are called to be a royal priesthood, representing God’s presence and love in the world (1 Peter 2:9).
- Remembrance of God’s Presence: The bells and pomegranates served as reminders of God’s presence. As believers, we should cultivate a continual awareness of God’s presence in our lives, seeking His guidance, and relying on His strength.
- Attention to Worship: The meticulous instructions for the high priest’s attire remind us of the importance of offering our worship to God with sincerity and reverence. God deserves our best, not just in what we wear but also in the attitude of our hearts as we come before Him in prayer and praise.
- Beauty in Holiness: The combination of gold and pomegranates on the high priest’s robe symbolised beauty in holiness. As followers of Christ, we are called to pursue holiness and righteousness, reflecting the beauty of God’s character in our lives.
