“On the bottom hem they made pomegranates of blue, purple and scarlet, and woven linen; and they made bells of pure gold, and put the bells between the pomegranates all the way around the hem of the robe — between the pomegranates, that is, bell, pomegranate, bell, pomegranate, all the way around the hem of the robe for service — as Adonai had ordered Moshe.”-Exodus 39:24-26
We are continuing to review the High Priest’s garments.
Last time we talked about the EPHOD and the breastplate.
Today I want to talk a little bit about the alternating golden bells and pomegranates that were sown to the bottom hem of the long blue outer robe over which the EPHOD and Breastplate were worn.
We were told earlier that that the purpose of these golden bells was so “The High Priest would not die” while he was serving in the Tabernacle.
These dangling bells were much more than decorative jewelry.
In the Temple era, a rope was tied to the ankle of the High Priest when he went into the Holiest Place on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur).
“A chain was tied to the feet of the High Priest, when he entered THE HOLY OF HOLIES, so that if he dies there they will take him out, SINCE IT IS FORBIDDEN TO ENTER THERE… Then there is joy among the higher and lower beings. If not, they were all in sorrow and all knew that their prayer was not accepted.”-Zohar Vol. 16 Emor, Section 34. Yom Kippur, Par. 251.
Now I was told that while the High Priest was engaged in his purification rituals, the common priests who were standing outside the Sanctuary would be on high alert always listening for the steady jingling of the golden bells.
If that jingling STOPPED for a considerable amount of time, they would assume that the Lord had probably killed the High Priest due to some breach of protocol.
Then, they would pull him out of the Holy of Holies with the rope that was attached to his foot.
The logic behind this was simple.
Only the High Priest can enter the Holy of Holies.
Anybody else who tried to enter would be instantly killed by the Lord.
Hence, if the High Priest died while he was inside the Holy of Holies, there was no way to remove the corpse!
Even a makeshift appointing of a new High Priest wouldn’t work.
Because under no circumstances is a High Priest allowed to touch or handle a dead body.
Not even a member of a High Priest’s own family is allowed to handle a dead body.
Now this all makes sense except for one interesting point that a friend brought to my attention and I cross referenced with a Torah teacher much, much more learned than me.
On the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), the High Priest changed into a white linen garment.
And there weren’t any jingling or jangling bells attached to this outfit folks!
The reference supporting this is as follows:
“He shall put on the holy linen tunic, and he shall have the linen pants upon his flesh, and he shall be girded with a linen belt, and with the linen turban he shall be attired.”-Leviticus 16:4
Per the Lord’s command, the linen garments had to be pure white linen and could have nothing attached to them.
So I guess the only way the common priests found out if the Lord had killed the High Priest or not was by maybe hearing the thud of the body hitting the ground or simply a super loooong time passing by without High Priest coming out of the Holy of Holies.
Having said all that, there are no records, Biblical or otherwise, of a High Priest being struck dead by the Lord, and having to have his body dragged out of the Holiest Place by the rope attached to his ankle.
Brother –
I have enjoyed your teachings on Exodus. However, while your conclusion (the bells had little value other than decorative), I believe your premise is skewed a little. There is also ZERO Scriptural basis for the rope around the ankle, waist, or whatever other version of the story one chooses to believe. The Zohar is the first mention of such a practice. It is not in Torah, the Talmud, the Pseudepigrapha, nor the midrashic commentaries of Josephus or Philo. I know the Zohar is accepted in certain circles, but I can’t elevate a 13th century Spanish document above 1. the Torah, and 2. all the other culturally-specific historic documents and writings.
Besides, with as “do it exactly as it’s written, no more, no less” as the Israelites were (notice Aaron’s two sons were killed for doing it incorrectly, and God reminds him of that prior to introducing the priestly garb), do you really think they added a rope, when God didn’t say, “and thou shalt tie a rope…just in case.” (Besides…God has NEVER worked on a contingency plan basis. He’s Plan A, and there is no Plan B.)
Unfortunately, the “rope around the ankle and bells around the garment…just in case” story is almost dogmatized in churches nowadays, preached from playpens to pulpits. (I, myself, believe it’s entirely false, and while no one will ever know the truth, the best I can refer to it is “Jewish tradition,” and even at that, I believe that statement requires a HEAVY caveat.
My two shekels…
I appreciate your two shekels. I would actually like a lot more shekels.
Richoka!!!!!!!!!! I deem that reply cogent! Be Blessed, my brother. LOL!!!!!!!!! #more shekels
Cool!
The earthly sanctuary and it services is the copy of the heavenly sanctuary..
The Bible says …thy way oh Lord is in the sanctuary.
It stand as a perfect service of salvation……If this was true , Jesus our High priest would also have a rope around is ankle also.
It would have being mention in the Bible ,,the service of the sanctuary is ultimate truth no lies only truth….no ropes..
Thank you for your candid and reasonable response. I was reviewing Lev. 16 this morning as well as Ex 28, and you’re right; there is no reference to the rope. I was raised in an evangelical church, and indeed, was taught the theory of the rope around the ankle, but your explanation exposes yet another supposition presented as fact.
It’s aggravating to have to unlearn things like that.
I’ve been a Christian for 30 yrs+, the other night I was watching a Yom Kippur service by a messianic congregation & he said no bells, bells are not biblical, I have to unlearn it, too, because I’ve heard it 30+ years. Shalom
I’m confused as to how the bells are not biblical? They are specifically mentioned along with the alternating pomegranates in Exodus 28:33-34. I understand why the rope theory does not hold water, since we can find no reference to it, but am curious why so many are saying the bells are not a biblical part of the priestly garb.
The bells are biblical according to Exodus 28:33-34, and Leviticus 16:23-24 says that before the high priest could preform the final offerings he was to change out of the linen and back into the robe, so the bells would have been present again.
If you read Exodus 28 33, it does mention bells between the pomegranates. This is at the Hem of the robe. I’m actually still digging and researching about the rope.
I have enjoyed reading all the “shekel” inputs on this interesting topic. Here are a few more thoughts to consider. The pomegranates and bells alternated, so they existed in the same amount. The pomegranates were made of linen, and the bells of gold. Jesus is the real High Priest, albeit of the order not of Aaron but Melchizedek. He exists as both God and man. Linen may signify the beauty of His humanity, and gold the preciousness of His divinity. For any one to serve Him today, we must be clothed with Him (e.g. Gal 3:27). Pomegranates, one of the key fruits of the good land (Deut 8:8) are full of life and sweet nourishing juice, a good picture of our Lord’s humanity. Three color threads make the pomegranates on the garment, perhaps signifying how heavenly (blue), kingly (purple) and sacrificing (red) He is. Gold bells are a warning, so the priest would not die. To serve as a priest today, which all new covenant believers should do (1 Pet 2:5; Rev 1:6), we must have His rich humanity clothing us and expressed through us (pomegranates), as well as His divine nature (golden bells) (2 Peter 1:4). If we do not express God, illustrated by the golden bells, we are not living according to His nature, and we will die spiritually (Rom 8:13)
The Rabbi’s have bells and pomegranate sewn in the bottom of their robes. The pomegranate have 613 seed which represent the 613 commandments of the Torah.
Thank you for your thoughts. It all helps in brightening up this topic. I love this topic. This is the centric demonstration of GODs plan of Salvation in the ministty of Jesus as foretold in the earthly sanctuary services.
Our real high Priest, Jesus, is now in the real holy of holies in the real temple in Heaven.
I earnestly want to keep focused on that sound of the bell of my high Priest. He is alive forever more to minister on my behalf. He is my assurance. I now eagerly wait the end of that most holy of holiest ministry when our High Priest comes out….and returns on HIs second coming…having Him the rewards of each according to his life. As we speak we are now in the spiritual period of yom kippur. As did the Jews during the day of atonement, we all believers must live our lives in deep humility, repentance and consecration.. We live conscious of the fact of what is happening right now in Heaven in the most holy ministry of Jesus .presenting His blood (as foreshadowed in OT temple services) as our parson and Salvation.
We are now in the last days, end time, the only ministry of Jesus remaining is to come.out of HIS last Priesthood role and return as. a King in the clouds of heaven.
This is the present truth. It is the everlasting Gospel. It is pure joy. We do not fear judgement if we are in Jesus basked in the HIS Blood of redemption. On the contrary, we await and say Maranatha!.
This is why I love the sanctuary services topic.
Sorry for going on a stroll there.
GOD BLESS 💕😇
Hi, I’ve had a picture of the bells and pomegranates in church recently. It was when the presence fell in the meeting. Your words are very helpful in understanding such a surprising picture.
I heard about this custom of bells and a rope many years ago. When I set out to learn more, I could find no references to this until I came to yours. I believe that GOD does sometimes have a “Plan B” because, as Jesus pointed out when questioned about divorce, GOD allowed it because people’s hearts were hard.
I suspect that GOD could remedy the “how could they get a dead priest out” with His own remedies, akin to the ground opening and swallowing them. GOD can easily make a problem such as the “cleanness” of anyone else entering (such as a newly ordained priest) in His own perfect way. Perfect GOD, perfect solution. We needn’t struggle to understand, just know that GOD is GOD and we are not. PERIOD.
-Submitted (suggested) by Jean Archambault-White, author of “Simple Faith”
I have been looking for more specific information about the Priest having a rope tied on his ankle, and the references.
The use of the rope is folklore. The bells however were worn. See Exodus 28:33-35.
True. But I didn’t know that at the time of penning this post.
The High Priest did have bells on the hem of his usual garment. But it does seem that on the Day of Atonement he did wear a plain linen garment that would have no bells on it. So it just further shows that the idea of having a rope tied around one leg, in case God struck him dead, so he could have been pulled out of the Holy of Holies, did not really have any bearing in truth. .
Hi Kathryn, I agree…I realized afterwards. Thanks for your comment.
Excellent discussion here. I too had heard the tale of the rope and am now “relearning” word vs supposition. Thank you.
I came across this website looking for an answer to what was the purpose of the bells…and the rope theory. My firm belief is in God’s Word and I believe it whole heartedly. However, I do also want to pose a question. In accordance to ‘real-life situations’. Since one was forbidden to enter The Holy of Hollies, should the priest die in there, how else was their body supposed to be retrieved? My take on this rope theory is this, yes God being sovereign could have opened the ground up and swallowed him for whatever reason he chose, however, realistically there may have been a rope to pull them out…just because it was not written, does not mean it did not happen. My belief is this, because many years of different situations happened to ‘real people’ in the Bible days, some things that may have happened may not have been written, due to the simple fact that not every single thing in every ones daily lives could be transcribed. A perfect example is that there is nothing written about Jesus’ life from the age of 12 to the age of 30. When compiling the scriptures themselves which is the ‘complete’ version of the Bible as we know it, many writings or books were not included in the Bible, right? So, as to truth to some things being a ‘myth’ and some things not, the Bible is written in such a way that a lot of it is written in a ‘metaphorical’ context. Jesus Christ himself spoke in many ‘realistic metaphors’ to his disciples just so they would have a better understanding of what he was teaching them. Sometimes you may have to apply natural sense to a spiritual context in order for our natural minds to elevate to a spiritual realm. We are natural beings trying to understand something that is completely spiritual. Suggestion…’pray’ for God to reveal the mysteries of the spiritual writings before we apply myth to truth.
Your argument is valid; however, the text regarding the garment and absolute procedures was extraordinarily specific. It was not an overview of the ritual, but a detailed account of what was required. I don’t have an answer to the question of “what happened to the priest, should he die?” other than to say there was never an account of any priest dying.
I guess we can assume then, the priests paid very close attention to the rules.
Since my first comment last year, I’ve had the pleasure of becoming friends with an orthodox Jewish family, and in fact am going to their house for Shabbos dinner this Friday. I can tell you, they are very conscious of the law, and observe every detail to the inth degree.
the rope makes since because it represents doubt…”what if”
Ok… so if one of the priests were found guilty and not worthy because of sin by the Lord and they did die, how would they retrieve the body… Just asking … I’m not sure if just anyone could go in to retrieve them. It seems this service was only for Aaron and his sons as the scripture mentions and they must also be prepared through their sanctification and purification before entering in. But a rope (or something) would be an interesting possibility in retrieving a disobeying priest, although so far I don’t find it mentioned. What else could be used to retrieve them? Any thoughts on this?
Maybe the warning about the possibility of dying served as a warning to the priests…maybe the Lord knew there would be no one to die? Is there a record of any priest dying in this particular service to the Lord? Curious…
The bells are mentioned here… and it does mention that there was a possibility they could die during this service to the Lord…
Exodus 28:33-35;
33 And beneath upon the hem of it thou shalt make pomegranates of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, round about the hem thereof; and bells of gold between them round about:
34 A golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate, upon the hem of the robe round about.
35 And it shall be upon Aaron to minister: and his sound shall be heard when he goeth in unto the holy place before the Lord, and when he cometh out, that he die not.
(the rest of the scriptures are interesting to read here but we will skip to verse 43)
43 And they shall be upon Aaron, and upon his sons, when they come in unto the tabernacle of the congregation, or when they come near unto the altar to minister in the holy place; that they bear not iniquity, and die: it shall be a statute for ever unto him and his seed after him.
At any rate, the main thing to me would be to make sure we understand that the old testament was a picture of the coming Messiah – of the final sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of His sacrifice we can now come into the Holy of Holies, spotless and void of sin because of the Lord Jesus’ death and resurrection – and because of His sacrifice, His righteousness has been imputed to me (all who believe in Christ).
Hebrews 4:12-16
12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.
14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
This next passage sums it all up…You must be born again and receive Christ’s sacrificial atoning work on the cross of Calvary to pay for your sins and gain entrance into Heaven. We praise Him for what He has done. To God be All the glory. His blood was precious blood!
HEBREWS Chapter 9
1 Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary.
2 For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary.
3 And after the second veil, the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of all;
4 Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant;
5 And over it the cherubims of glory shadowing the mercyseat; of which we cannot now speak particularly.
6 Now when these things were thus ordained, the priests went always into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God.
7 But into the second went the high priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and for the errors of the people:
8 The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing:
9 Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience;
10 Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.
11 But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building;
12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.
13 For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:
14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
16 For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.
17 For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.
18 Whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood.
19 For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people,
20 Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you.
21 Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry.
22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.
23 It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.
24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:
25 Nor yet that he should offer himself often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others;
26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.
27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:
28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
I haven’t added more scriptures as it would be too lengthy…
God bless you all
The rope was mentioned in the past. But then others say that was just a legend and not true. Maybe it is as you said, that “maybe the Lord knew there would be no one to die”. And let’s not forget that God could have just supernaturally removed the body Himself.
Hello,
I’ve been enjoying the discussion here, but it seems that to a slight degree, it’s strayed from the question asked (and for which I came here) to find out what was the purpose of the bells. God says through the writer that it’s so that the priest WILL NOT DIE. Now, if we believe that it is correctly transposed and translated and it wasn’t for the purpose of signaling if he HAD died, then my question, which is still unanswered, is why was sound important to God? Why did God require the bells to tinkle so that the high priest stayed alive? If I find the answer or even clues to why, I’ll come back and write it here, but if anyone else does, I look forward to an answer. Shalom!
Following up on my comment, I found this post ( https://theinseasonlifestyle.com/robe-priest/ . Though the beginning of her discussion concerns the bells and it possibly being to know if the priest was alive and the cord, similar to everyone’s previous discussion, I think that the second part on “call to worship” and knowing that your sins are being atoned for and service in God’s presence may give more insight as to the importance of the bells to God and for us. They may be similar to incense (our prayers now) before Him. Perhaps the bells should remind us to come before God in intercession, worship, and service to Him (and for others). The sound of our presence (like she says about attending church [or synagogue]).
aw-come on people, give the Brother a break, at the very bottom of his article he admits the rope around the ankle is simply folklore and he says the bells at the bottom of his garment were not worn in the the Holy o Holies. So why are you raking him over the coals. There is to much good info in his article to nit pick it away.