Exodus 39:26
A bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate, round about the hem of the robe to minister in; as the LORD commanded Moses.
Original Language Analysis
וְרִמֹּ֔ן
and a pomegranate
H7416
וְרִמֹּ֔ן
and a pomegranate
Strong's:
H7416
Word #:
2 of 14
a pomegranate, the tree (from its upright growth) or the fruit (also an artificial ornament)
וְרִמֹּ֔ן
and a pomegranate
H7416
וְרִמֹּ֔ן
and a pomegranate
Strong's:
H7416
Word #:
4 of 14
a pomegranate, the tree (from its upright growth) or the fruit (also an artificial ornament)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 14
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
סָבִ֑יב
round about
H5439
סָבִ֑יב
round about
Strong's:
H5439
Word #:
8 of 14
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
לְשָׁרֵ֕ת
to minister
H8334
לְשָׁרֵ֕ת
to minister
Strong's:
H8334
Word #:
9 of 14
to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
10 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְהוָ֖ה
in as the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
in as the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
12 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Historical Context
The hem's complete circling with alternating bells and pomegranates ensured the audible witness continued regardless of the high priest's position or movement. The careful alternation demonstrates attention to pattern, not random placement—everything in worship follows divine order.
Questions for Reflection
- How should ministers today balance audible witness (proclamation) and visible fruit (godly living)?
- What does the alternating pattern teach about rhythm and order in sustained spiritual ministry?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The alternating pattern—'a bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate'—creates rhythmic repetition emphasizing completeness. The phrase 'to minister in' (לְשָׁרֵת, lesharet) indicates these adornments served functional, not merely decorative, purposes. Ministry to God requires both audible witness (bells) and visible fruit (pomegranates). The tenth 'as the LORD commanded Moses' in chapter 39 underscores exact obedience. Christ's perfect priesthood combines sound doctrine (bells) and sanctified living (fruit), witness and works, proclamation and proof.