“Speak unto 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 upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue.”
Historical Context:Numbers is the fourth book of the Bible and records the events that took place during the Israelites’ journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. The verse in question comes after the incident of the Israelites’ rebellion and God’s punishment of the previous generation, resulting in their 40 years of wandering in the wilderness.
Importance of Obedience: God instructed Moses to tell the children of Israel to make fringes on the borders of their garments. This command served as a reminder for the people to be obedient to God’s laws and to distinguish themselves as God’s chosen people. Obedience to God’s commands is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, and this verse emphasizes the importance of following God’s instructions.
Symbolism of Fringes and Ribband of Blue: The fringes, or tassels, on the borders of their garments served as a visual reminder to the Israelites to keep God’s commandments. The ribband of blue was to be included on each fringe, and it had symbolic significance. Blue is often associated with the heavenly realm and the divine presence. The blue thread was a reminder of God’s authority and the need for the Israelites to submit to His commands.
Reminder of the Covenant: The fringes and the ribband of blue were intended to remind the Israelites of their covenant with God. By wearing these fringes, they were constantly reminded of their commitment to obey God’s laws and live according to His will. It served as a symbol of their identity as God’s chosen people and a visible sign of their separation from other nations.
Application to Christians today: While this commandment was specifically given to the children of Israel, there are principles that can be applied to Christians today. Christians are called to be obedient to God’s commands and to live according to His Word. The fringes in Numbers 15:38 can remind us of the importance of maintaining a close relationship with God and being mindful of our commitment to follow His instructions.
In summary, Numbers 15:38 (KJV) instructs the Israelites to make fringes on the borders of their garments with a ribband of blue, serving as a reminder of their covenant with God and the importance of obedience. While this commandment was given to the Israelites, the underlying principles can be applied to Christians today as a reminder of our commitment to God’s Word and living a life of obedience.
