Bells of Gold

The Lord instructed Moses to place bells of pure gold on the hem of the high priest’s robe. The bells were alternated with beautiful representations of pomegranates made of three colors—blue, purple, and scarlet (see Ex. 28:33). The Lord revealed the bells’ purpose: “It shall be upon Aaron to minister: and his sound [i.e., the sound of the bells] shall be heard when he goeth in unto the holy place before the Lord, and when he cometh out, that he die not” (Ex. 28:35). That is to say, during the very consequential time when the high priest ministered in the temple, Israelite worshippers (who were gathered in the temple courtyard) could hear the sound of the bells. They, the worshippers, knew exactly where the high priest was serving, because of the bells’ unique, musical notes. Those who understood the impact of the high priest’s sacred work must have been filled with joy at the sound.

Bells of pure gold attached to the high priest’s robe.