37 The Lord also spoke to Moses , saying , 38 "Speak to the sons of Israel , and tell them that they shall make for themselves tassels on the corners of their garments throughout their generations , and that they shall put on the tassel of each corner a cord of blue . 39 "It shall be a tassel for you to look at and remember all the commandments of the Lord , so as to do them and not follow after your own heart and your own eyes , after which you played the harlot , 40 so that you may remember to do all My commandments and be holy to your God .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Numbers 15:37-40
Commentary on Numbers 15:37-41
(Read Numbers 15:37-41)
The people are ordered by the Lord to make fringes on the borders of their garments. The Jews were distinguished from their neighbours in their dress, as well as in their diet, and thus taught not to be conformed to the way of the heathen in other things. They proclaimed themselves Jews wherever they were, as not ashamed of God and his law. The fringes were not appointed for trimming and adorning their clothes, but to stir up their minds by way of remembrance, 2 Peter 3:1. If they were tempted to sin, the fringe would warn them not to break God's commandments. We should use every means of refreshing our memories with the truths and precepts of God's word, to strengthen and quicken our obedience, and arm our minds against temptation. Be holy unto your God; cleansed from sin, and sincerely devoted to his service; and that great reason for all the commandments is again and again repeated, "I am the Lord your God."