OLD TESTAMENT

Numbers 15:37–41

The Holy Bible · English

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The LORD spoke to Moses, saying,

“Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them that they should make themselves fringes on the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put on the fringe of each border a cord of blue.

ExplanationCommentary

EXPLANATION

Verse 38. Fringes. The Pharisees enlarged these fringes through hypocrisy, (Matthew 23:5,) to appear more zealous than other men for the law of God. Challoner.—Our Saviour conformed to this law. Luke 8:44. Moses shews that these fringes were to be made for the cloak, which was square, and not for the tunic. Deuteronomy 22:12. The colour, in S. Justin’s time, was purple. Dial. It seems that the Phœnicians were accustomed to wear such fringes. Sidoniam picto chlamidem circumdata limbo. Æneid, iv. Calmet.—God ordained that his people should be thus distinguished from other nations. Tirinus.

EXPLANATION

or, tassels (Hebrew צִיצִ֛ת)

EXPLANATION

or, tassel

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It shall be to you for a fringe, that you may see it, and remember all the LORD’s commandments, and do them; and that you don’t follow your own heart and your own eyes, after which you used to play the prostitute;

ExplanationCommentary

EXPLANATION

Verse 39. Astray, (fornicantes). The eyes being left without restraint, easily fix upon dangerous objects, which captivate the heart, and lead to idolatry and the contempt of God’s law. Calmet.—We are also admonished to meditate on the law, and not follow our own thoughts or interpretations, so as to render it of no effect, in the regulation of our morals. Bible.

EXPLANATION

or, tassel

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so that you may remember and do all my commandments, and be holy to your God.

I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: I am the LORD your God.”

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