Numbers 15:38
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:
Speak {H1696} unto the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}, and bid {H559} them that they make {H6213} them fringes {H6734} in the borders {H3671} of their garments {H899} throughout their generations {H1755}, and that they put {H5414} upon the fringe {H6734} of the borders {H3671} a ribband {H6616} of blue {H8504}:
"Speak to the people of Isra'el, instructing them to make, through all their generations, tzitziyot on the corners of their garments, and to put with the tzitzit on each corner a blue thread.
โSpeak to the Israelites and tell them that throughout the generations to come they are to make for themselves tassels for the corners of their garments, with a blue cord on each tassel.
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 each border a cord of blue:
Cross-References
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Deuteronomy 22:12
Thou shalt make thee fringes upon the four quarters of thy vesture, wherewith thou coverest [thyself]. -
Matthew 23:5
But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, -
Luke 8:44
Came behind [him], and touched the border of his garment: and immediately her issue of blood stanched. -
Matthew 9:20
And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind [him], and touched the hem of his garment:
Commentary
Historical and Cultural Context
Numbers 15:38 introduces a specific commandment given to the children of Israel during their wilderness wanderings, a directive that would become a perpetual practice. This verse instructs them to make "fringes" (Hebrew: tzitzit) on the "borders of their garments" and to attach a "ribband of blue" (Hebrew: tekhelet) to these fringes. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, garments often served not only for covering but also as markers of identity, status, and sometimes even religious affiliation.
The command for tzitzit was not merely a fashion statement but a deeply symbolic act. It was part of the broader Mosaic Law given by God to distinguish Israel as His chosen people, setting them apart from the surrounding nations. These fringes were to serve as a constant, visible reminder of their covenant relationship with Yahweh and their obligation to obey His commandments, as further explained in Numbers 15:39-40. This practice continued throughout generations and is still observed in various forms within Jewish tradition today.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The term "fringes" in Hebrew is tzitzit (ืฆึดืืฆึดืช), which literally means "tassel" or "lock of hair." These were not simply decorative threads but specifically knotted cords attached to the four corners of their outer garments. The "ribband of blue" is tekhelet (ืชึฐึผืึตืึถืช), a specific dye derived from a marine mollusk. This vibrant blue color was highly valued in antiquity and often associated with royalty, divinity, and the heavens, symbolizing God's glory and majesty, and perhaps reminding them of the pavement of sapphire under God's feet mentioned in Exodus.
Practical Application
While Christians today are not commanded to wear literal tzitzit, the underlying principles of Numbers 15:38 remain highly relevant. This verse challenges believers to consider:
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