“The Lord says, ‘The women of Zion are haughty, walking along with outstretched necks, flirting with their eyes, strutting along with swaying hips, with ornaments jingling on their ankles. Therefore the Lord will bring sores on the heads of the women of Zion; the Lord will make their scalps bald.’”
(Isaiah 3:16–17, NIV)
In this context, the jingling anklets (Bells) worn by the women of Zion symbolize vanity and pride. Their outward adornment reflects inner arrogance. God’s judgment is to strip away this pride, making clear that external beauty or ritual without righteousness is meaningless before Him.
“On that day HOLY TO THE LORD will be inscribed on the bells of the horses, and the cooking pots in the Lord’s house will be like the sacred bowls in front of the altar.”
(Zechariah 14:20, NIV)
In contrast to Isaiah, here bells symbolize consecration. Even the most ordinary things—like horse bells—will bear the inscription “HOLY TO THE LORD,” showing a time when every part of life is dedicated to God’s glory.
“Make pomegranates of blue, purple and scarlet yarn around the hem of the robe, with gold bells between them.”
“The gold bells and the pomegranates are to alternate around the hem of the robe.”
“Aaron must wear it when he ministers. The sound of the bells will be heard when he enters the Holy Place before the Lord and when he comes out, so that he will not die.”
“Make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it as on a seal: HOLY TO THE LORD.”
(Exodus 28:33–36, NIV)
Here, the bells are not decorative but functional and sacred. They allow the high priest to be heard when entering the Most Holy Place. The sound represents continual movement in God’s presence and reverence for His holiness. Without this sound, the priest could die, showing the seriousness of God’s holiness.
Just as bells help track the movement of animals or people, spiritually they remind us that God desires to be aware of where we are — not in geography, but in heart. When we are spiritually active and faithful, we “make a sound” in God’s presence. Silence might represent spiritual death or separation from His will.
“Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?”
(Psalm 139:7, NIV)
In many traditional cultures, bells are used in dances and music. Biblically, they also symbolize joyful worship.
“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.”
(Psalm 150:6, NIV)
A believer “clothed” with God’s bells is one who offers continual praise and reflects a life that honors Him.
Wearing “bells of the Lord” symbolically refers to being filled with the Holy Spirit. Only when we are spiritually alive and consecrated by the Spirit can we truly reflect holiness and be heard in God’s presence.
“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.”
(Ephesians 5:18, NIV)
“Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”
(Galatians 5:25, NIV)
Just as the high priest wore bells to be accepted in God’s holy presence, we must be spiritually prepared—consecrated and filled with the Holy Spirit—to live lives that honor and glorify God.
Ask yourself:
Shalom – Peace be with you as you walk in step with the Spirit.
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