Frontlets
“To bind, ornament between the eyes”
Summary
Small leather boxes containing Scripture passages, worn on the forehead and arm by Jewish men during prayer, also known as phylacteries.
☩Biblical Origin
Moses commanded Israel to bind God's words 'for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes' (Deuteronomy 6:8, 11:18; Exodus 13:9, 16). While some interpreters take this figuratively, meaning to keep God's law always in mind and action, the Jews have traditionally taken it literally. The Hebrew word totaphoth means 'to bind.'
☩Construction and Contents
Four pieces of parchment were inscribed with passages from Exodus 13:2-10, 13:11-17, Deuteronomy 6:4-9, and 11:13-22. For the forehead frontlet, these were placed in four compartments within a square case, marked with the Hebrew letter Shin. Two leather thongs passed around the head, forming a knot in the shape of the letter Daleth. The arm frontlet had all four passages on one parchment, wound around the arm with the thong ending at the middle finger.
☩New Testament Criticism
Jesus criticized the Pharisees for making broad their phylacteries to be seen of men (Matthew 23:5). This practice turned what was meant to be a spiritual reminder into an ostentatious display of supposed piety. The carnal heart gladly substitutes external formalism for inward spiritual remembrance of God's law. The Karaite Jews, who reject traditions, do not wear them.
See Also
References
- 1.James Orr (ed.), "Frontlets," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. II (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 2.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Frontlets," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).
- 3.American Tract Society, "Frontlets," in American Tract Society Bible Dictionary (American Tract Society, 1859).