TEXT: Exodus 28: 31-35

THEME: ‘Pomegranates and Bells’

INTRODUCTION.
 The outer trappings of the priestly garment resembled the outfit
of ancient monarchy, but its primary message however, was never
one of power, wealth or authority or control.

 The High Priest, decked in the heavenly sartorial attire was

constantly reminded of his sacred responsibilities to God

 One could not be dressed in the sacred outfit and live a slack or
careless life

 In an article entitled ‘Parashat Tetzaveh – The garments of

the High Priest’ the author makes the poignant point that
“The aim of his activities is to establish a cohesive
connection between himself and the Deity. His clothing thus
represents the essential dignity of the human being, the
'regal' bearing of Man which is primarily expressed by his
unique potential to be aware and conscious of God.”

 The author goes on to note that “No other creature has the
need or the desire to fashion a covering for its naked and
exposed body. No other creature can understand the
profound concepts of modesty, humility or restraint that
clothing fundamentally represents. These ideas are uniquely
human, and are the product of the recognition of a
Transcendent God in Whose constant presence we live.”

 To put on the High Priest garment“is to take on the mantle of

living life as a sanctified person, whose every footstep
bespeaks Godliness.”

 With every step of the Majestic man of God as he performs

his sacred duty of worship, the peal of the bells is heard and
the hanging pomegranates fruit bespeaks its productivity.
THE BELLS:

- the joyful sounds of the Gospel:

- the sound was a reminder that the High Priest was

officiating (interceding) on their behalf

- Its sound spoke of activity

- Additionally, the absence of its sound could mean that the

Priest had sin in his life and died in the presence of God

- However, the absence of its sound also meant that the

people had to exercise some faith since he could be in the
Holy of Holies and the Thick Curtain is blocking its sounds

- The sound and fragrance of our worship are juxtaposed on

the Holy garment; the bell is sandwiched between the sweet
scent of the fruit.

Pomegranates: a fragrant fruit: the Gospel is sweet-smelling,

scented, odorous, perfumed,

Pomegranates are also tasty and nutritious:

‘...taste and see that the Lord is good’; the fruit of our lips; fruit of
praise; fruit of the Spirit.

In Isaiah 5 the Lord got WILD Grapes from His vineyard.

We cannot desire one and not the other; neither can we cultivate
the one and not the other;

Note their proximity to each other; note also that the FRUIT is
placed between TWO bells: rhetoric without fruitfulness

False prophets are known by their fruits

The gifts prove God, the fruit proves the man

Whatever we do must be productive ‘pomegranate producing
people’.

- Talent must be invested

- Talent must give yield

- ‘go forth and multiply’

Conclusion: The barren fig tree was cursed by the Lord.