A frontlet, in biblical terms, refers to a small, often ornamental, band or strip worn on the forehead. In the context of Scripture, frontlets are closely associated with the practice of binding God's commandments as a sign upon one's hand and as frontlets between the eyes. This practice is rooted in the instructions given to the Israelites in the Torah, emphasizing the importance of keeping God's laws ever-present in their lives.

Biblical References

The concept of frontlets is primarily derived from several key passages in the Pentateuch. In Deuteronomy 6:8, the Israelites are commanded: "Tie them as reminders on your hands and bind them on your foreheads." Similarly, in Deuteronomy 11:18, it is written: "Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as reminders on your hands and bind them on your foreheads." These verses underscore the importance of internalizing and constantly remembering God's commandments.

Exodus 13:9 also mentions the practice: "It shall be a sign for you on your hand and a reminder on your forehead, that the law of the LORD is to be on your lips. For with a mighty hand the LORD brought you out of Egypt." This passage highlights the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt and the significance of commemorating God's mighty acts through physical symbols.

Historical and Cultural Context

In Jewish tradition, the practice of wearing frontlets evolved into the use of phylacteries, or tefillin. These are small leather boxes containing scrolls of parchment inscribed with specific Torah verses, including the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-9) and other passages. Tefillin are traditionally worn by Jewish men during weekday morning prayers as a literal fulfillment of the biblical command to bind God's words as a sign.

The use of frontlets as a physical reminder of God's laws serves as a tangible expression of faith and obedience. It reflects the broader biblical principle of integrating one's faith into daily life, ensuring that God's commandments are not merely abstract concepts but are actively lived out.

Theological Significance

From a theological perspective, frontlets symbolize the integration of faith and action. By binding God's commandments on their foreheads and hands, the Israelites were reminded to align their thoughts and actions with divine will. This practice underscores the holistic nature of biblical obedience, which encompasses both internal belief and external behavior.

The emphasis on frontlets also highlights the importance of memory and mindfulness in the spiritual life. By keeping God's laws constantly before them, the Israelites were encouraged to cultivate a continual awareness of God's presence and guidance.

Application for Believers

For contemporary believers, the concept of frontlets can serve as a metaphor for the importance of keeping God's Word central in one's life. While the physical practice of wearing frontlets may not be observed by all, the underlying principle of integrating Scripture into daily living remains relevant. Believers are called to meditate on God's Word, allowing it to shape their thoughts, actions, and character.

In summary, frontlets in the biblical context represent a profound commitment to remembering and living out God's commandments. They serve as a powerful reminder of the need to keep God's Word at the forefront of one's mind and actions, ensuring that faith is both a personal conviction and a public testimony.1. (n.) A frontal or brow band; a fillet or band worn on the forehead.

2. (n.) A frown (likened to a frontlet).

3. (n.) The margin of the head, behind the bill of birds, often bearing rigid bristles.

2903. totaphoth -- bands
... frontlet. From an unusued root meaning to go around or bind; a fillet for the forehead
-- frontlet. 2902, 2903. totaphoth. 2904 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/2903.htm - 5k

Homer's Obligations to the Sacred Writers.
... The sun that rests not, and the moon full-orb'd; There also, all the stars which
round about,. As with a radiant frontlet, bind the skies.". ...
/.../chapter xxviii homers obligations to the.htm

Polycrates
... And John too, who lay on Our Lord's breast and was his high priest carrying the
golden frontlet on his forehead, both martyr and doctor, fell asleep at Ephesus ...
/.../jerome and gennadius lives of illustrious men /chapter xlv polycrates.htm

A Peal of Bells
... and the High Priest: if it be the frontier"just as the High Priest upon his brow
the Hebrew letters in gold "Holiness to the Lord," so on the frontlet of the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/a peal of bells.htm

Appendix xvii. The Ordinances and Law of the Sabbath as Laid Down ...
... headgear as would require unloosing before taking a bath, nor go out with such
ornaments as could be taken off in the street, such as a frontlet, unless it is ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix xvii the ordinances and.htm

The Women of the Gospel Narrative the Study of the Early Christian ...
... headgear as would require unloosing before taking a bath, nor go out with such
ornaments as could be taken off in the street, such as a frontlet, unless it is ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/i the women of the.htm

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... head; but to show, that the sign, that the everlastingness of the covenant of grace
is only to be found in him; that he wears it as a mitre or frontlet of gold ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

Frontlet (1 Occurrence)
... 1. (n.) A frontal or brow band; a fillet or band worn on the forehead. 2.
(n.) A frown (likened to a frontlet). ...Frontlet (1 Occurrence). ...
/f/frontlet.htm - 6k

Frontlets (3 Occurrences)

/f/frontlets.htm - 9k

Frontal (1 Occurrence)
... 3. (n.) Something worn on the forehead or face; a frontlet. 4. (n.) An ornamental
band for the hair. 5. (n.) The metal face guard of a soldier. ...
/f/frontal.htm - 7k

Frontiers (3 Occurrences)

/f/frontiers.htm - 7k

Forehead (23 Occurrences)
... Aaron and after him every high priest was to wear on the forehead the golden frontlet
having the engraved motto, "Holy to Yahweh" (Exodus 28:36, 38). ...
/f/forehead.htm - 19k

Crown (94 Occurrences)
... The nezer had a twofold use as the crown of consecration: (a) It was placed as a
frontlet on the miter of the high priest, being tied with a blue lace (Exodus ...
/c/crown.htm - 58k

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