Deuteronomy 22:12
Thou shalt make thee fringes upon the four quarters of thy vesture, wherewith thou coverest thyself.
Deuteronomy 22:12
This command requires tassels (fringes) on the corners of garments—tzitzit—as a visible reminder of the commands of God. In a climate where clothing and appearance carried social and religious significance, the fringes served as outward signs of inward devotion. The practice rooted the daily act of wearing clothing in the covenant relationship with God. It also functioned as a mnemonic tool for Israel to recall the Law, to live with a posture of obedience, and to distinguish Israel in the nations.
Fringes are a tangible symbol of trust and obedience. The command expresses a scene of lived faith—where everyday garments become reminders of God’s presence and commands. It emphasizes that holiness is not only about grand acts of worship but also about consistent, repeated practices in ordinary life.
Today, the principle can translate into practices that function as constant reminders of our commitments to God-and-neighbor. This could mean sustaining regular spiritual disciplines (scripture, prayer) that shape behavior, or choosing daily routines and environments that encourage integrity and generosity. For example, wearing a physical reminder bracelet or placing verses on personal items to trigger acts of kindness or honesty can serve as modern analogs to the old garment tassels.
Cross-References: Numbers 15:38-39; Deuteronomy 6:6-9; Matthew 23:5; Colossians 2:16-17; Galatians 5:1