Numbers 15:38 - “Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them that they should make themselves fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put on the fringe of each border a cord of blue:
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What does "Numbers 15:38" mean?
Numbers 15:38 contains a commandment concerning the wearing of tassels, or fringes, on the corners of garments by the Israelites. Let's break down the meaning:
"Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them...": This is a direct command from God to Moses to instruct the Israelites.
"...that they should make themselves fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations...": This is the core instruction:
Fringes (Tzitzit in Hebrew): The Hebrew word "tzitzit" refers to tassels or fringes. These were to be made and attached to the corners or borders of their garments.
Borders of their garments: This refers to the four corners or edges of a garment, likely referring to a shawl-like garment.
Throughout their generations: This signifies that this commandment was meant to be observed perpetually by the Israelites.
"...and that they put on the fringe of each border a cord of blue:": This specifies that within the tassel, a thread or cord of blue (tekhelet in Hebrew) should be included.
Cord of blue (tekhelet): The significance of the color blue is often associated with divinity, the sky, and the connection to God. The process to derive this specific shade of blue is complex and was lost for a period of time, but has been rediscovered.
Symbolic Meaning and Purpose:
The tzitzit served as a constant reminder of God's commandments and the Israelites' commitment to observing them. It's understood that the visual reminder of the tassels would prompt the wearer to remember and follow God's laws.
Modern Practice:
Orthodox Jewish men continue to wear tzitzit today, often on a four-cornered garment worn under their clothes or as a visible outer garment. The specific interpretation of the commandment and the way it is observed can vary among different Jewish communities.
In essence, the verse instructs the Israelites to wear tassels on their garments as a constant reminder of their covenant with God and their obligation to keep His commandments. The blue thread within the tassels is believed to hold special significance, symbolizing a connection to the divine.
Numbers 15:38 - “Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them that they should make themselves fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put on the fringe of each border a cord of blue:
What does "Numbers 15:38" mean?
Numbers 15:38 contains a commandment concerning the wearing of tassels, or fringes, on the corners of garments by the Israelites. Let's break down the meaning:
"Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them...": This is a direct command from God to Moses to instruct the Israelites.
"...that they should make themselves fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations...": This is the core instruction:
Fringes (Tzitzit in Hebrew): The Hebrew word "tzitzit" refers to tassels or fringes. These were to be made and attached to the corners or borders of their garments.
Borders of their garments: This refers to the four corners or edges of a garment, likely referring to a shawl-like garment.
Throughout their generations: This signifies that this commandment was meant to be observed perpetually by the Israelites.
"...and that they put on the fringe of each border a cord of blue:": This specifies that within the tassel, a thread or cord of blue (tekhelet in Hebrew) should be included.
Cord of blue (tekhelet): The significance of the color blue is often associated with divinity, the sky, and the connection to God. The process to derive this specific shade of blue is complex and was lost for a period of time, but has been rediscovered.
Symbolic Meaning and Purpose:
The tzitzit served as a constant reminder of God's commandments and the Israelites' commitment to observing them. It's understood that the visual reminder of the tassels would prompt the wearer to remember and follow God's laws.
Modern Practice:
Orthodox Jewish men continue to wear tzitzit today, often on a four-cornered garment worn under their clothes or as a visible outer garment. The specific interpretation of the commandment and the way it is observed can vary among different Jewish communities.
In essence, the verse instructs the Israelites to wear tassels on their garments as a constant reminder of their covenant with God and their obligation to keep His commandments. The blue thread within the tassels is believed to hold special significance, symbolizing a connection to the divine.