Tassels were commanded on garments to serve as a constant reminder of God’s commandments and the need to live in obedience. They were not decorative but instructional, helping God’s people to remember who they were and how they were to live.
“You shall make tassels on the four corners of the clothing with which you cover yourself.” (Deuteronomy 22:12)
This law expands on an earlier command in Numbers:
“Speak to the children of Israel: Tell them to make tassels on the corners of their garments… and to put a blue thread in the tassels… that you may look upon it and remember all the commandments of the Lord and do them.” (Numbers 15:38–39)
The blue thread signified heaven and holiness. As Israelites wore these garments daily, the tassels served as visible cues to walk in God’s ways and not follow their own heart or eyes. It reinforced the idea that their identity was rooted in covenant obedience.
This simple feature on their clothing shaped their mindset and behavior, encouraging continual mindfulness of God’s Word. It taught that holiness was not only a temple matter but part of everyday life.
Though Christians are not commanded to wear physical tassels, the principle remains: God’s people are to live with a constant awareness of His Word and His call to holiness.
