(The Lord speaking is red text)
A golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate, upon the hem of the robe round about.
gold bell, pomegranate, gold bell, pomegranate, all the way around the hem of the robe.
alternating the gold bells and pomegranates around the lower hem of the robe.
a golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate, upon the skirts of the robe round about.
A golden{H2091} bell{H6472} and a pomegranate{H7416}, a golden{H2091} bell{H6472} and a pomegranate{H7416}, upon the hem{H7757} of the robe{H4598} round about{H5439}.
**Themes:**
Exodus 28:34 is part of a larger passage detailing the instructions for the garments of the high priest in ancient Israel. The themes present in this verse include:
1. **Holiness and Purity:** The elaborate and specific design of the high priest's garments, including the golden bells and pomegranates, emphasizes the sanctity of the priesthood and the importance of ritual purity in approaching God.
2. **Divine Presence:** The bells served as a means for the high priest to be heard as he moved within the Holy Place, signifying God's awareness of His servant's presence and the necessity of His guidance.
3. **Fruitfulness and Beauty:** Pomegranates are symbols of fertility and abundance, suggesting the blessings of fruitfulness and the beauty of holiness in the priestly service.
4. **Separation from the Common:** The unique attire of the high priest set him apart from the rest of the community, reinforcing the distinction between the sacred and the profane.
**Historical Context:**
The verse is set during the time of Moses, after the Israelites' exodus from Egypt and while they were encamped at Mount Sinai. God gave Moses specific instructions for constructing the Tabernacle, the portable dwelling place for God's presence, and for the consecration of Aaron and his sons as priests. The detailed description of the priestly garments reflects the importance of the priesthood in mediating between God and the people of Israel.
The garments, including the robe with bells and pomegranates, were to be worn by Aaron, the high priest, during his service in the Tabernacle. This robe, along with the other priestly vestments, was meant to adorn Aaron with glory and beauty as he performed his sacred duties, which included offering sacrifices and interceding for the people.
In summary, Exodus 28:34 reflects the themes of holiness, divine presence, fruitfulness, and separation within the context of the establishment of the Israelite priesthood during the time of Moses.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)