WHY THE SYMBOLISM OF FRINGES MATTERS TO US
Why the Symbolism of Fringes Matters to Us – Why did David feel bad for cutting King Saul’s robe (2 Samuel 24:1-7)? And why did Ruth ask Boaz to spread the corner of his garment over her (Ruth 3:1-14, KJV)? What do fringes in these stories have in common, and how could these insights be significant to us today?
WHY THE FRINGES?
The Pharisees emphasized…of their religious garments…the blue fringes at the corners of the mantle (Numbers 15:37-38; Deuteronomy 22:12), which the Pharisees enlarged. Christ condemned them, for their pride concerning these things without the appreciation of their true value, when he said that the Pharisees “make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments” (Matthew 23:5)
Wycliffe Bible Encyclopedia
Why would God command the Jews to wear these fringes? They were a visible reminder to obey the law (Numbers 15:39), but seemed to turn into a visible sign of obedience. Like the clergymen’s white collars today, they then took on added meaning. First of holiness, then of assumed extra approval by God, then likely even of specially-sanctioned authority by God.
WHY THE DESPERATION?
In Matthew 14:34-36 and Mark 6:56,
And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. And when the men of that place recognized him, they sent around to all that region and brought to him all who were sick and implored him that they might only touch the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well.
New International Version
And wherever he came, in villages, cities, or countryside, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and implored him that they might touch even the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well.
In Matthew 9:20-22, Mark 5:25-34 and Luke 8:43-48, the woman suffered from an issue of blood, rendering her unclean. Due to her condition, she faced isolation because her touch could transmit uncleanness. Despite the prohibition, driven by desperation and conviction, she believed that touching the fringes would bring healing without detection. To her astonishment, she not only touched but was openly acknowledged and offered peace and healing.
WHY THE ROMANCE?
In Ruth 3, KJV,
The expression “spread the corner of your garment” implies protection, and here signifies protection of a conjugal nature. When marriages were solemnized among the Israelites, the man threw the skirt of his talith or robe over his wife and covered her head with it.
The New Manners & Customs of the Bible
Today in the west, appearance means so much and faith means so little. Romance becomes so selfish. How beautiful when God works in two lives the mutual respect that brings what God meant for romance: protection, provision, submission, holy conduct, friendship and comfort.
WHY THE REGRET?
David was anointed as a teenager to become king, meaning he’d replace King Saul. What mixed feelings David had, who conscientiously loved and served his king. To be fleeing for his life, dearest friend Jonathan & wife (Saul’s daughter). He had to flee and hide for years. Then while hiding in a cave with his men, Saul come in to relieve himself.
It couldn’t have been easy for David to slip forward unnoticed by Saul. It was an effort to do something to prove that David would spare Saul’s life, yet remain unseen. I suspect to cut Saul’s robe was a last-minute, desperate decision. And I’m guessing it wasn’t until after David did that he realized symbolically what it would appear to mean, or at least imply. It was Saul’s authority, cut away from Saul, taken by David. His tender conscience regretted the symbolism.
SYMBOLISM AND CHURCH LIFE TODAY
I covered in my last 3 blogs how we can make our rituals—our symbolism—more significant. Why? Because symbolism matters more than we’re inclined to think it does. In fact, it matters on 3 levels we tend to overlook. Our hearts are the primary concern, and what goes on within them while we act out our symbolism. Secondly, our obedience matters. And thirdly, our conduct before others matters. We should be accountable to, and definitely influence, each other.
This last reason is how we’re culturally most removed from bible times. They were so much more community-based, driven, focused and bound. Today in our churches we need to develop more of this culture.
Above picture of David and Saul, Ruth and Boaz, and fringes of the Pharisees
