The Significance of the Fringe: A Call to Remember
"Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue:" - Numbers 15:38

Numbers 15:38 KJV states, "Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue." This verse may appear as just a command for a particular attire, but upon deeper reflection, it unveils profound spiritual truths relevant to believers today.
In this instruction, God desires to instill a principle of remembrance among His people. The fringes, or tzitzit as they are known in Hebrew, serve a distinct purpose—their primary role is to remind the Israelites of the commandments of the Lord. Each fringe, adorned with a blue cord, calls forth a constant recognition of God's Law and His covenant with them. It is a visual cue, intended to draw their attention to the moral and spiritual truths contained within the Torah.
This command comes at a pivotal moment when the Israelites are transitioning into the Promised Land, a place filled with distractions that could lead their hearts astray. Therefore, these garments are not merely fashion statements; rather, they symbolize a deeper commitment to live by God's standards. The blue thread, often interpreted as a color representing the heavens, serves to remind them of their divine association and calling. In a world where so many voices compete for our attention, the fringes are an invitation to remain steadfast in our faith, constantly orienting ourselves back to God and His purpose.
As believers in Christ today, we may not wear physical fringes, but we, too, have our forms of reminders. The practice of regular prayer, the reading of Scripture, gathering in fellowship, or even wearing crosses can all serve as 'fringes' in our spiritual lives. Each practice acts as a blue ribbon, reminding us to focus our lives around the truths of God's Word. The New Testament echoes this sentiment when Paul instructs us to put on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:11), symbolizing preparation with a mindset anchored in God's truth.
Moreover, the generational aspect of these fringes signifies the importance of passing our faith to future generations. God instructed the people to teach their children about His laws and their significance—not only for their own benefit but for the ongoing legacy of faith within the family and community. This calls us to cultivate an environment where the next generation can see and understand the value of adhering to God's commandments. As parents, mentors, and disciples, we are to model this commitment and ensure that our children witness the impact of God's Word in action, much like a mother weaving the blue ribbon into the fringe of her child’s garment.
As followers of Christ, let us also cherish the idea of 'reminders' in our lives. Reflect on what helps guide you back to God's Word: Is it a particular verse, a beloved hymn, or the encouragement of like-minded believers? Whatever it may be, take hold of these reminders with intentionality, allowing them to craft your daily walk with God.
In our busy, often chaotic lives, we must not neglect the beauty of remembrance. Much like the children of Israel wore their fringes to honor God’s laws, may we embrace our spiritual reminders to honor the relationship we have with Him through Christ. Just as the Israelites were visually connected to their identity through those fringes, we must also remember our identity as adopted children of God. In doing so, we will find ourselves not just remembering His commandments but living them in joyful obedience, and nurturing the faith within our family and community for generations to come.
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Numbers 15:38 Artwork
Numbers 15:38 tell them to make tassels on the corners of their garments, and to put a cord of blue on the tassel of each corner.
Numbers 15:38 - "Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue:"
"Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue:" - Numbers 15:38
Numbers 32:38
Numbers 4:38 - "And those that were numbered of the sons of Gershon, throughout their families, and by the house of their fathers,"
Numbers 7:38 - "One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:"
"For in thee, O LORD, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God." - Psalms 38:15
Joshua 15:38 - "And Dilean, and Mizpeh, and Joktheel,"
Numbers 31:38 - "And the beeves were thirty and six thousand; of which the LORD'S tribute was threescore and twelve."
Mark 15:38 - "And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom."
"And Dilean, and Mizpeh, and Joktheel," - Joshua 15:38
Numbers 26:38 - "¶ The sons of Benjamin after their families: of Bela, the family of the Belaites: of Ashbel, the family of the Ashbelites: of Ahiram, the family of the Ahiramites:"
Job 38:15 - "And from the wicked their light is withholden, and the high arm shall be broken."
Numbers 14:38 - "But Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of the men that went to search the land, lived still."
Numbers 32:38 - "And Nebo, and Baal-meon, (their names being changed,) and Shibmah: and gave other names unto the cities which they builded."
Matthew 15:38 - "And they that did eat were four thousand men, beside women and children."
Numbers 29:38 - "And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, and his meat offering, and his drink offering."
"One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:" - Numbers 7:38
1 Corinthians 15:38 - "But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body."
Numbers 1:38 - "¶ Of the children of Dan, by their generations, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all that were able to go forth to war;"
Numbers 12 15
Numbers 11:15
"And those that were numbered of the sons of Gershon, throughout their families, and by the house of their fathers," - Numbers 4:38
Psalms 38:15 - "For in thee, O LORD, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God."
Exodus 38:15 - "And for the other side of the court gate, on this hand and that hand, were hangings of fifteen cubits; their pillars three, and their sockets three."
Genesis 38:15 - "When Judah saw her, he thought her to be an harlot; because she had covered her face."
Acts 15:38 - "But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work."
Numbers 1:15 - "Of Naphtali; Ahira the son of Enan."
numbers 31:14-15
"And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom." - Mark 15:38