You are to make tasselsTassels, or "tzitzit" in Hebrew, were commanded by God as a physical reminder of His commandments. They served as a visual cue to remember and obey God's laws. This practice is rooted in
Numbers 15:37-41, where God instructed the Israelites to wear tassels with a blue cord to remember His commandments. The blue dye, likely derived from the murex snail, was rare and valuable, symbolizing the heavenly origin of the law. Tassels also signified a person's dedication to God and His covenant.
on the four corners
The four corners of the garment symbolize completeness and universality, indicating that God's commandments encompass all aspects of life. The number four often represents the earth or creation in biblical symbolism, suggesting that God's laws are meant to guide every direction and area of life. This practice was common in ancient Near Eastern cultures, where garments often had four corners, making it practical for tassels to be attached there.
of the cloak
The cloak, or outer garment, was a common piece of clothing in ancient Israel, used for warmth and protection. It was typically a rectangular piece of cloth, which made it suitable for attaching tassels at the corners. The cloak was an essential item, often used as a blanket at night, highlighting the constant presence of God's commandments in daily life. In the New Testament, Jesus criticized the Pharisees for enlarging their tassels to show off their piety (Matthew 23:5), emphasizing the importance of genuine obedience over outward appearances.
you wear
The personal nature of this command underscores individual responsibility in following God's laws. Each person was to wear these tassels, signifying a personal commitment to God's covenant. This practice was not just for priests or leaders but for every Israelite, indicating that all were called to holiness. The wearing of tassels is a reminder of one's identity as part of God's chosen people, set apart to live according to His statutes.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MosesThe author of Deuteronomy, delivering God's laws to the Israelites.
2.
IsraelitesThe recipients of the law, God's chosen people, who are being prepared to live in the Promised Land.
3.
TasselsFringes or threads attached to the corners of garments, serving as a physical reminder of God's commandments.
4.
CloakA common outer garment worn by the Israelites, symbolizing daily life and routine.
5.
Promised LandThe land of Canaan, where the Israelites are headed, representing God's promise and faithfulness.
Teaching Points
Symbolism of RemembranceThe tassels serve as a tangible reminder of God's commandments, encouraging believers to keep His laws at the forefront of their minds.
Daily ObedienceJust as the Israelites were to wear tassels daily, Christians are called to integrate God's Word into their everyday lives.
Heart over RitualWhile physical reminders are helpful, the focus should be on heartfelt obedience rather than mere external compliance.
Visible FaithThe tassels were a public declaration of faith, reminding believers today to live out their faith visibly and authentically.
Cultural ContextUnderstanding the historical and cultural context of biblical commands can enrich our application of Scripture in contemporary settings.
Lists and Questions
Top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 22
What defines a prayer shawl?
How does Joshua 22 align with other passages that mandate a single place of worship (e.g., Deuteronomy 12), and why is there no mention of God's direct intervention here?
(Matthew 23:5) Were “broad phylacteries and long tassels” actually commonplace, or is this an exaggeration?
Did God command human sacrifice? (Genesis 22:2 vs. Deuteronomy 12:31)(12)
Thou shalt make thee fringes.--See
Numbers 16:32-41 for the origin of this requirement. We may call this fringe (or
?????????,Greek) on the four sides of the square shawl or mantle, a mourning for the
one man who was executed for sabbath breaking in the wilderness,as well as a reminder to Israel to do all the commandments and be holy unto their God. Of this
?????????,when worn by our Lord on earth, the sick laid hold and were healed. His obedience and His suffering for the transgressions of God's people are perfect and without flaw.
Theprincipleof these precepts is evident. Even the dress of God's people must be distinctive. And whether they eat or drink, orwhatsoeverthey do, they must do all to the glory of God. These laws have a symbolical and a sanitary side; being made for the physical well-being as well as for the spiritual teaching of God's people.
Verse 12. - (Cf.
Numbers 15:38.)
Fringes; properly,
tassels. The tunic of the Hebrews appears to have been divided at the bottom in front, and back, so that four corners or wings (
כַּנְפות) were made, to each of which a tassel was appended (Greek,
κράσπεδον,
Matthew 9:20;
Matthew 23:5, etc.).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
You are to makeתַּעֲשֶׂה־(ta·‘ă·śeh-)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 6213:To do, maketasselsגְּדִלִ֖ים(gə·ḏi·lîm)Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1434:Thread, a tassel, festoononעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstthe fourאַרְבַּ֛ע(’ar·ba‘)Number - feminine singular construct
Strong's 702:Fourcornersכַּנְפ֥וֹת(kan·p̄ō·wṯ)Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 3671:An edge, extremity, a wing, a flap, a quarter, a pinnacleof the cloakכְּסוּתְךָ֖(kə·sū·ṯə·ḵā)Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 3682:A cover, a veilingyou wear.תְּכַסֶּה־(tə·ḵas·seh-)Verb - Piel - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 3680:To plump, fill up hollows, to cover
Links
Deuteronomy 22:12 NIVDeuteronomy 22:12 NLTDeuteronomy 22:12 ESVDeuteronomy 22:12 NASBDeuteronomy 22:12 KJV
Deuteronomy 22:12 BibleApps.comDeuteronomy 22:12 Biblia ParalelaDeuteronomy 22:12 Chinese BibleDeuteronomy 22:12 French BibleDeuteronomy 22:12 Catholic Bible
OT Law: Deuteronomy 22:12 You shall make yourselves fringes (Deut. De Du) 
