Can you imagine the noise that accompanied the sacrifices that happened all day in the Tabernacle? Not only do you have an entire nation at the door offering various animals, but you have priests shoveling charcoal, moving oil, and offering prayers. Not to mention the sounds of the animals themselves (who are only silenced by the sounds of their deaths).
Last but not least, don’t forget about the bells. Exodus 28:34 has several of them stitched into the hem of Aaron’s garment, interlaced with pomegranates. First a bell, then a pomegranate, then a bell, then a pomegranate—all the way around the base of his robe.
Why the golden bells? This is another moment in Scripture where it’s tempting to go full tilt into the spiritual metaphor. Several online commentators have floated ideas about what the bells mean spiritually, ranging from a warning against gossip to the “bells” (our example) that we’re “ringing” for other people.
In actuality, the simplest reason may be the most accurate. As the High Priest sometimes ministered by himself—such as when he went into the Holy of Holies—it makes sense for the people outside to have some way of tracking his movements. The golden bells rattled as he worked deep in the Tabernacle.
The sounds of the bells provided a way for the people outside the Tabernacle to be a part of the inner workings of the priesthood without actually having to go in themselves. They could hear where he was at all times, and as such, could follow along in their hearts.
Of course, the death of the high priest is another practical reason to have the bells. If he died mid-service, the sounds would stop. The only time in Scripture we have something like that happening is with Nadab and Abihu. In Leviticus 10, Moses instructs the sons of Uzziel to “come near” and “carry your brethren” out of the camp. Commentators are split as to whether or not they came into the holy of holies to get the bodies.
Regardless, the purpose of the bells seems to be to prevent the death of the High Priest, not to signal his demise. Exodus 28:35 says that the bells make sounds when he enters and when he leaves “so that he will not die.”
We don’t often think of the priesthood as a “dangerous” job, but this passage underscores the seriousness of the position. Without proper attire, it was entirely possible for the priest ministering to God to be judged and executed midway through the service.
Even though we don’t live in the same time period, it’s a great question to ask ourselves, as well. God obviously takes his worship seriously. Are we taking it as serious as Him?
