Topical Bible: Feet: Bells Worn On

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In the context of biblical traditions and practices, the wearing of bells on the feet is specifically associated with the high priest's garments as described in the Old Testament. This practice is detailed in the instructions given by God to Moses regarding the attire of the high priest, particularly in the book of Exodus.

Biblical Reference:

The primary scriptural reference to bells worn on the feet is found in Exodus 28:33-35 :

"Make pomegranates of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn around the lower hem of the robe, with gold bells between them, so that gold bells and pomegranates alternate around the lower hem of the robe. Aaron must wear it when he ministers, so that the sound of the bells will be heard when he enters and exits the Holy Place before the LORD, so that he will not die."

Purpose and Symbolism:

The bells attached to the hem of the high priest's robe served both a practical and symbolic purpose. Practically, the sound of the bells signified the high priest's movement within the Holy Place, ensuring that his presence was known as he performed his sacred duties. This auditory signal was crucial, as it was believed to protect the high priest from the divine wrath that could result from an unannounced or improper approach to the presence of God.

Symbolically, the bells represented the holiness and reverence required in the service of God. The alternating pattern of bells and pomegranates on the robe's hem may also symbolize a balance between the fruitfulness of the Spirit (as represented by the pomegranates) and the proclamation of God's presence (as represented by the bells).

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the bells on the high priest's robe underscore the importance of order, reverence, and obedience in worship. The detailed instructions for the high priest's garments reflect the broader biblical theme of God's holiness and the need for His people to approach Him with respect and awe. The sound of the bells can be seen as a reminder of the constant vigilance required in maintaining a right relationship with God.

Historical Context:

In the ancient Near Eastern context, the use of bells in religious and ceremonial garments was not unique to Israel. Similar practices were observed in other cultures, where bells were often used to ward off evil spirits or to signal the presence of a person of high status. However, in the Israelite tradition, the bells on the high priest's robe had a distinct purpose tied to the worship of Yahweh and the specific requirements of the Levitical priesthood.

Conclusion:

The inclusion of bells on the high priest's robe is a testament to the intricate and purposeful design of the priestly garments as ordained by God. It highlights the sacredness of the priestly role and the careful attention to detail required in the service of the divine. Through this practice, the Israelites were reminded of the sanctity of their worship and the need for a mediator who could safely enter the presence of the Almighty on their behalf.

Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 3:16,18
Moreover the LORD said, Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing as they go, and making a tinkling with their feet:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Among the People, and with the Pharisees
... consisted merely of soles strapped to the feet; but ladies ... Two kinds of necklaces
were worn"one close-fitting ... as in walking to make a sound like little bells. ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 13 among the people.htm

Appendix xvii. The Ordinances and Law of the Sabbath as Laid Down ...
... the Feast of Tabernacles) bind also your feet' - as regards ... ordinary dress of a person
might be worn also on ... wooden leg, and children might have bells on their ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix xvii the ordinances and.htm

Argument. Perpetua is Again Tempted by Her Father Her Third vision ...
... the day of the exhibition drew near, my father, worn with suffering ... He sought to
lay hold of my feet, while I ... to the soldier's dress, or the small bells on the ...
/.../chapter iii argument perpetua is again.htm

Homeward Bound
... He had worn it for functions, and would bear it in ... All the bells of the town tolled
and every church sang ... came in streams to kiss his hands and feet and to ...
/.../marson/hugh bishop of lincoln/chapter x homeward bound.htm

Go in Peace
... Would not that short sentence set all the bells of her ... be permitted to come and touch
the Master's feet, and here ... want a second coat till he had worn out the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 48 1902/go in peace.htm

Conclusion.
... It was as if church bells were pealing their sweet but ... paraded in a bishop's miter;
he has often worn the gown ... flings back the blood money at the feet of those ...
//christianbookshelf.org/stead/king of the jews/chapter x conclusion.htm

On Extreme Unction and Holy Orders
... fighting, or doing sinful things; the feet, by carrying ... accompanied by altar boys
with lighted candles and bells. ... and also of the crown of thorns worn by Our ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 25 on extreme unction.htm

Whether There Can be any Suitable Cause for the Sacraments of the ...
... of chastity: and the shoes of their feet are the ... the bottom of which were placed
"little bells" and "pomegranates ... it was square in shape, and was worn on the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether there can be any 2.htm

The Sympathy of the Two Worlds
... as it were on the foot, yet from the feet even to ... they told it through the streets,
and the bells of heaven ... see others coming who have so lately worn the chains ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the sympathy of the two.htm

"For Hereunto were Ye Called; Because Christ Also Suffered for You ...
... It was one of those clock-work bells, and always ... clapping of hands or a striking
of feet on the ... house the Friday before, the same dusty, worn, shabby-looking ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sheldon/in his steps/chapter one for hereunto were.htm