Tefillin, also known as phylacteries, are small leather boxes containing parchment scrolls inscribed with biblical passages. They are worn by observant Jews during weekday morning prayers, as a reminder of God’s commandments and the Jewish people’s covenant with Him. The biblical basis for tefillin is found in the Torah, specifically in the book of Exodus, where God instructs Moses to tell the Israelites to make tefillin for themselves and their descendants. The Torah also specifies that the tefillin should be worn on the forehead and left arm, and that they should contain four specific biblical passages.
Tefillin and Its Structure in the Bible
Tefillin, also known as phylacteries, are small leather boxes containing parchment inscribed with specific biblical passages. They are worn by observant Jews during weekday morning prayers as a physical reminder of God’s commandments and a symbol of their devotion.
Biblical Basis for Tefillin
The primary biblical basis for tefillin is found in the following passages:
- Exodus 13:9-10: “It shall be like a sign on your hand and a reminder on your forehead… that the law of the Lord may be in your mouth.”
- Deuteronomy 6:8-9: “You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.”
- Deuteronomy 11:18: “Therefore, tie these words of mine upon your heart and your soul; and bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.”
Structure of Tefillin
Tefillin consists of two main parts:
- Bet Tefillin (Leather Boxes): These are small, cube-shaped boxes made from the skin of a kosher animal (usually a ram or a calf).
- Parashiyot (Parchment Inscriptions): Four biblical passages (known as parashiyot) are inscribed on parchment and placed inside each leather box. These passages are:
| Tefillin | Parashiyot |
|---|---|
| Arm | “Hear, O Israel” (Deuteronomy 6:4-9) |
| Head | “And it shall come to pass” (Deuteronomy 11:13-21) |
| Head | “Shema Yisrael” (Deuteronomy 11:13) |
| Head | “And it shall be for a sign” (Deuteronomy 6:8-9) |
Placement and Usage
Tefillin are worn on the left arm and the forehead. The one worn on the arm is located just above the elbow, while the one worn on the forehead is placed between the eyes, near the hairline. Tefillin are only worn during weekday morning prayers, except on certain holidays and during the seven days before Yom Kippur.
Symbolism of Tefillin
Tefillin serve as a physical reminder of God’s commandments and a symbol of Jewish identity. They represent the Jewish people’s covenant with God and their commitment to follow His laws. The placement of tefillin on the arm and the forehead is symbolic of the need to incorporate God’s word into both action and thought.
Question 1:
What is the significance of tefillin in the Bible?
Answer:
Tefillin are small leather boxes containing verses from the Torah that are physically attached to the body. They serve as a reminder of God’s commandments and the Israelites’ covenant with Him.
Question 2:
When and where are tefillin worn?
Answer:
Tefillin are worn by observant Jewish males during weekday morning prayers. They are placed on the forehead and upper arm, facing outwards.
Question 3:
What are the specific verses contained within tefillin?
Answer:
Tefillin contain four passages from the Torah: Exodus 13:1-10, Exodus 13:11-16, Deuteronomy 6:4-9, and Deuteronomy 11:13-21. These passages emphasize the importance of the Torah, the covenant with God, and the commandment to love Him.
Well, folks, that’s all I’ve got for you today on the topic of tefillin in the Bible. I hope you found this little history lesson to be informative and engaging. If you have any questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to reach out. And be sure to visit again later for more intriguing biblical insights. Until then, keep exploring and unraveling the fascinating world of the divine!