Phylactery

How Nave’s arranged it

• A small box containing slips of parchment on which there were written portions of the lawExodus 13:9Exodus 13:16Deuteronomy 6:4–9Deuteronomy 11:18
• Worn ostentatiously by the Jews upon the head and left armMatthew 23:5

The passages, in Bible order (5)

The same references, sorted Genesis to Revelation. The first 5 are quoted in full; the rest are one click beneath them, book by book.

1. Exodus 13:9

   It shall be a sign for you on your hand and a reminder on your forehead that the Law of the LORD is to be on your lips. For with a mighty hand the LORD brought you out of Egypt.

   ›Commentary on Exodus 13:92 voices

   “12, 13. every firstling, &c.--the injunction respecting the consecration of the first-born, as here repeated, with some additional circumstances. The firstlings of clean beasts, such as lambs, kids, and calves, if males, were to be devoted to God and employed in sacrifice. Those unclean beasts, as the ass's colt, being unfit for sacrifice, were to be redeemed (Nu 18:15).

   “And it shall be for a sign unto thee upon thine hand, and for a memorial between thine eyes,....

   Everything gathered on Exodus 13:9→

   Verse page →Original language →

2. Exodus 13:16

   So it shall serve as a sign on your hand and a symbol on your forehead, for with a mighty hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt.”

   ›Commentary on Exodus 13:162 voices

   “And it shall be for a token upon thine head, and for frontlets between thine eyes,....

   “We should all be able to show cause for what we do in religion. As sacraments are sanctified by the word, so they must be explained and understood by it. God's service is reasonable, and it is then acceptable when we perform it intelligently, knowing what we do and why we do it.

   Everything gathered on Exodus 13:16→

   Verse page →Original language →

3. Deuteronomy 6:4–9

   Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One.

   ›Commentary on Deuteronomy 6:4–92 voices

   “The form was as follows: Four pieces of parchment, inscribed, the first with Ex 13:2-10; the second with Ex 13:11-16; the third with De 6:1-8; and the fourth with De 11:18-21, were enclosed in a square case or box of tough skin, on the side of which was placed the Hebrew letter (shin), and bound round the forehead with a thong or ribbon.

   “Such too was the teaching of the law: "Hear, O Israel, the Lord your God is one Lord," that is, unchangeable, always abiding in unity of power, always the same and not altered by any accession or diminution. Therefore Moses called him one.

   Everything gathered on Deuteronomy 6:4–9→

   Verse page →Original language →

4. Deuteronomy 11:18

   Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as reminders on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.

   ›Commentary on Deuteronomy 11:182 voices

   “Let our eyes be fixed upon the word of God: Bind them for a sign upon your hand, which is always in view, and as frontlets between your eyes, which you cannot avoid the sight of. Let our tongues be employed about the word of God, especially with our children, who must be taught this, as far more needful than the rules of decency, or the calling they are to live by.

   “Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart, and in your soul,.... Treasure up the laws of God delivered to them in their minds, retain them in their memories, and cherish a cordial affection for them; which would be an antidote against apostasy, idolatry, and other sins, Psa 119:11. and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes; of this and the two following verses; see Gill on Deu 6:7; see Gill on Deu 6:8; see Gill on Deu 6:9.

   Everything gathered on Deuteronomy 11:18→

   Verse page →Original language →

5. Matthew 23:5

   All their deeds are done for men to see. They broaden their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels.

   ›Commentary on Matthew 23:52 voices

   “Their phylacteries - The word “phylactery” comes from a word signifying to keep, preserve, or guard. The name was given because phylacteries were worn as amulets or charms, and were supposed to defend or preserve those who wore them from evil. They were small slips of parchment or vellum, on which were written certain portions of the Old Testament.

   “But all their works they do for to be seen of men--Whatever good they do, or zeal they show, has but one motive--human applause. they make broad their phylacteries--strips of parchment with Scripture-texts on them, worn on the forehead, arm, and side, in time of prayer. and enlarge the borders of their garments--fringes of their upper garments (Nu 15:37-40).

   Everything gathered on Matthew 23:5→

   Verse page →Original language →