The Chimes

O. T. #233  "The Chimes"
Feb. 25, 2014
Exodus 28-Part 5
A golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate, upon the hem of the robe round about. 
Exodus 28:34

LET IT GLOW

We attended a Christian college of our denomination. Whether a person was on campus or in town, you could hear the chimes ringing out a hymn at noon. I thought it was a very special unto the Lord. Do I hum a hymn throughout the day as a song of praise unto the Lord? I should.
Did you know the high priest's robe mad a sound? Read on to find out more about it.

So far, we have talked about two parts of the high priest's wardrobe. They were the ephod and the breastplate. Today we are going to discuss the robe.
What do the Scriptures say about it?

• This outer garment was to be made of a blue cloth. (verse 31)
• It was to be woven into one piece, with a hole in the top, as an opening for the head in its center. (verse 32)
• So it would not tear, a woven edge like a collar was to be included. (verse 32)
• The hem was to have around it pomegranates of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, with gold bells. They were to be placed alternately. (verses 33, 34)
• Aaron was instructed to wear it whenever he served in the Holy Place, least he die by not wearing it. (verse 35)

Why the bells?
The sound of the tinkling bells sewn on the hem of the high priest's robe signaled those waiting outside the Holy Place that their representative ministering before the Lord was still alive and moving about, fulfilling his duties.  (MacArthur)

Are we ringing the bells for Jesus?

LET IT GROW

While Aaron burned incense in the Holy Place, the men were in the outer court applying themselves to praying to God at the same time. (Luke 1:10)

We must serve the Lord with fear and holy trembling, as those that know we deserve to die, and are in danger of making some fatal mistake. Some say the bells on the holy robe typify the sound of the gospel of Christ in the world, giving notice of His entrance within the veil for us. Blessed are they that hear this joyful sound. (Ps. 89:15). The joining of the pomegranates, which are a fragrant fruit, denotes the sweet savour of the gospel, as well as the joyful sound of it, for it is a savour of life unto life. The church is called an orchard of pomegranates. (Matthew Henry)

The bells represented joyfulness and the pomegranates represented fruitfulness. (Wiersbe)

If God did not accept the sacrifice which the high priest was offering for his people, and he died, then the silence of the bells would signify such occurred. The people could pull him out by a rope instead of entering the Tabernacle and risking their own death. I am not sure if this actually happened or tradition teaches it.

Do we still ring the church bells as the time of worship occurs?
A trumpet will sound when the Lord calls His children to meet Him in the air and the dead in Christ rise. (1 Cor. 15:52)

Are you and your loved ones ready?

Ps. 100:1-2 says Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before His presence with singing.

How joyful is our noise as we enter the place of worship? Are we glad? Do we sing before Him?


LET IT GO

Be joyful and glad as I sing praises to my Savior.

Enter the house of worship with singing.

Continue to be joyfully sing unto the Lord wherever I am.