“And beneath upon the hem of it thou shalt make pomegranates of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, round about the hem thereof; and bells of gold between them round about:”
Context:Exodus 28 provides detailed instructions for crafting the garments of the high priest and his sons, who would serve in the tabernacle, the portable dwelling place of God among the Israelites during their wilderness journey. In this particular verse, God is instructing Moses on the design of the robe that the high priest would wear.
Analysis and Interpretation:
- “And beneath upon the hem of it”: The “it” here refers to the robe of the ephod, which is a distinctive garment worn by the high priest. The “hem” is the lower part of the robe, near the edges.
- “Thou shalt make pomegranates of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, round about the hem thereof”: The design of the robe is adorned with pomegranates made of three different colours: blue, purple, and scarlet. Pomegranates are a fruit known for their abundance of seeds and are often associated with fertility, abundance, and blessings in biblical symbolism. The choice of these colours represents the richness and significance of the high priest’s role and the divine blessings upon the people.
- “Bells of gold between them round about”: In addition to the pomegranates, the robe is adorned with golden bells. These bells were attached to the hem of the robe, interspersed between the pomegranates. When the high priest moved, the tinkling sound of these bells served as a means of auditory assurance for the people outside the tabernacle. It indicated that the high priest was still alive and performing his duties within the holy place. The sound of the bells also reminded the people of the sanctity of the priestly office and the importance of the high priest’s intercession on their behalf before God.
Spiritual Significance:
- Holiness and Distinction:The detailed instructions for the high priest’s robe highlight the importance of holiness and setting apart those who serve in sacred roles. The priestly garments were unique and set the high priest apart from the rest of the people, emphasising the holiness of God and the need for purity in His presence.
- Intercession and Representation:The robe with its bells and pomegranates symbolised the high priest’s role as an intercessor between the people and God. The pomegranates representing fruitfulness and blessings were a reminder of God’s promises to His people, and the bells highlighted the priest’s duty to represent the people before God and seek His favour on their behalf.
- Faithfulness and Accountability:The sound of the bells held the high priest accountable to fulfil his responsibilities with faithfulness and integrity. If the bells stopped ringing, it would indicate that something had gone wrong, and the people’s prayers and offerings might not be accepted before God.
Application:The passage holds several lessons for contemporary believers:
- The importance of living a life of holiness and being set apart for God’s service.
- The significance of interceding for others and seeking God’s blessings on behalf of those around us.
- The reminder of being accountable in our roles and responsibilities as representatives of Christ in the world.
In summary, Exodus 28:33 showcases the careful attention to detail in the design of the high priest’s robe, which serves as a reminder of the holiness of God, the priest’s role as an intercessor, and the need for accountability and faithfulness in serving God and others.
