Topical Bible: Garments were often Fringed and Bordered

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In biblical times, garments were not merely functional items of clothing but also held significant cultural and religious symbolism. One notable feature of these garments was the use of fringes and borders, which served both decorative and spiritual purposes.

Biblical Mandate and Symbolism

The practice of adding fringes to garments is explicitly commanded in the Torah. In Numbers 15:38-39 , the LORD instructs Moses: "Speak to the Israelites and tell them that throughout the generations to come, they are to make for themselves tassels on the corners of their garments, with a blue cord on each tassel. These will serve as tassels for you to look at, so that you may remember all the commandments of the LORD, that you may obey them and not prostitute yourselves by following your own hearts and eyes."

This commandment highlights the fringes, or tassels, as a physical reminder of the Israelites' covenant with God and their obligation to follow His commandments. The blue cord, in particular, is significant, as blue is often associated with divinity and the heavens, symbolizing a constant reminder of God's presence and authority.

Cultural Context and Usage

Fringed garments were common in the ancient Near East, and their use extended beyond the Israelites. However, for the people of Israel, these fringes held a unique covenantal significance. The Hebrew term for these tassels is "tzitzit," and they were typically attached to the four corners of a garment, such as a cloak or robe.

In Deuteronomy 22:12 , the command is reiterated: "You are to make tassels on the four corners of the cloak you wear." This further emphasizes the importance of the practice as a daily, visible reminder of one's faith and commitment to God's laws.

New Testament References

The fringes of garments also appear in the New Testament, where they are associated with Jesus' ministry. In Matthew 9:20-21 , a woman suffering from a bleeding disorder approaches Jesus: "Just then a woman who had suffered from bleeding for twelve years came up behind Him and touched the fringe of His cloak. She said to herself, 'If only I touch His cloak, I will be healed.'" This account underscores the belief in the power and sanctity associated with the fringes, as well as their role in the daily life of Jewish individuals during the time of Jesus.

Spiritual Lessons and Applications

The fringes and borders of garments serve as a tangible expression of faith and obedience. They remind believers of the importance of living a life in accordance with God's commandments. The practice encourages mindfulness and reflection on one's actions and thoughts, aligning them with divine will.

In contemporary Christian thought, while the physical practice of wearing fringed garments may not be observed, the underlying principles of remembrance, obedience, and dedication to God's word continue to hold spiritual significance. The fringes symbolize a life set apart for holiness, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical narrative.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Numbers 15:38
Speak to 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 on the fringe of the borders a ribbon of blue:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 22:12
You shall make you fringes on the four quarters of your clothing, with which you cover yourself.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Chaldaean Civilization
... alone required almost as many persons as there were garments. ... They often chose for
this purpose a sort of shawl of a plain material, fringed or ornamented ...
/.../chapter iiichaldaean civilization.htm

The First Theban Empire
... like the Egyptians, and wear long garments or close ... and good taste of the fringed
and patterned ... in searching for nuggets, which were often of considerable size ...
/.../chapter iiithe first theban empire.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... series of steep inclines to arid plains, fringed or intersected ... from the middle of
a province, would often be found ... to each other as if they were separated by ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... The bay and the strand which bordered it afforded an excellent station for the ... The
nomes of the Delta were restored to order, and, as was often customary in ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm

The Nile and Egypt
... no man clotheth himself (with festive garments)"the children of ... why it does not figure
more often is, in ... of its drapery, although these were simple compared ...
/.../chapter i the nile and egypt.htm

The Reaction against Egypt
... and there by deep creeks, and is fringed with beautiful ... of their native lands, and
he had often whole regiments ... before the aisles on either side were even begun ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... Local cults often centred round obscure deities held in ... meadows pastured such cattle
or were better suited ... nobles with befitting changes of garments, and all ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm