A Bell and A Pomegranate

A bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate alternating all around the hem of the skirts of the robe of the priest. This robe was to be worn whenever the priest ministered before the Lord, just as the Lord had commanded Moses. (Exodus 39:26)

The above verse describes the garment (the skirt) worn by the priest as he ministered in the Holy place. The robe of the priest had a bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate alternating on the hem. There is a deep spiritual significance to this.

When Prophet Moses sent men to spy out the land of Canaan, one of the reports they were to give was concerning the fruit of the land.

And they came to the Valley of Eshcol, and cut down from there a branch with one cluster of grapes, and they carried it on a pole between two [of them]; they brought also some pomegranates and figs. That place was called the Valley of Eshcol [cluster] because of the cluster which the Israelites cut down there. (Numbers 13:23-24)

A land is known by its fruit; whether it is fertile or barren. Likewise, a person is known by the fruit he produces in and through his life.

Lord Jesus voiced the same thing:
A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them. (Matthew 7:18-20)

Now, you must understand that Lord Jesus was not just talking about trees and fruit, He was referring to people and their character. So you see the pomegranate on the hem of the high priest was symbolic of the fruit of the Spirit.

As a Christian, when we go about being His witnesses, we must be careful to demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit. Talking about the fruit is not enough.

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23). Without these there can be no real witness; there can be no ministry.

Secondly, the bell on the hem of the garment of the high priest is symbolic of the Gifts of the Spirit.

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. (1 Corinthians 13:1)

Immediately after talking about the gifts of the Holy Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12, Paul the Apostle speaks of the importance of the operation of the Gifts of the Spirit on a foundation of love.

The tinkling of the bells also indicated to the people waiting outside that the priest was alive in the presence of God and not struck dead.

The most important truth here is that we cannot opt for one but not the other. We cannot cultivate the one and neglect the other. It has to be bell, pomegranate, bell, pomegranate all around our life.

Our life, our ministry, whatever we do has to be a perfect balance of gifts and fruit; and both are there to bless the Lord and to bless his people. May it always be so.

Father, let my life be a perfect demonstration of the fruit and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Receive all the glory and honour through my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.