Fringes Explained

The majority of The Levite Line shirts have fringes attached to the hemlines. While fringes can represent a fashion statement, these fringes represent more than a fashion statement. The main purpose for these fringes is based upon the Biblical law from the Book of Numbers 15:38. Two different translations will be quoted here. The first is from a King James Version of the Bible: “Speak unto the children of Israel and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue:”

The second translation from the New International Version of the Bible: “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: 'Throughout the generations to come you are to make tassels on the corners of your garments, with a blue cord on each tassel.”

One version says fringes while the other says tassels. We believe either to be sufficient. God does not seek to destroy our creativity, but place it within healthy limitations. It would seem that if one believes the statement, “In God We Trust” then following God's laws would be a natural progression. Yet very few people proclaim to follow God's laws. One should question many people's actual trust in the God of the Bible, a book allegedly revered by many.

Irregardless of peoples trust or lack of trust in God, people might wonder, 'Why should I wear fringes or tassels on my garments?' Many might see this in a negative sense as being “gay,” a very successful ploy by the enemies of God to ridicule God and God's law. These same people usually ridicule and demonize anyone who would appear “different,” as cowards are apt to do. Truly following God will make you different, unless you wish to remain one of the heathens as are most of those who call themselves Christians today. Being “different” requires courage, the opposite of which is cowardice. Rev. 21:8- “But the cowardly... their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” On one level, these are our options and the choices may not seem easy. However when the results of our choices are heaven or hell, this should make our decisions easier. In essence, being like everyone else-cowardly; being different-courageous. Of course things are not always quite that simple and occasionally the “everyone's” are not wrong and sometimes the unique individuals are incorrect.

God explains to his people, all people, why we should wear fringes/tassels in the next two verses. Using the New International Version, Numbers 15:39-40: “You will have these tassels to look at and so you will remember all the commands of the Lord, that you may obey them and not prostitute yourselves by going after the lusts of your own hearts and eyes. Then you will remember to obey all my commands and will be consecrated to your God.”

You may not initially understand this commandment, nor other commandments of God. You may not like being told what to or what not to do or wear, by God or anyone else. However, if we truly trust in God, then we certainly trust His commands to be for our own good. We can begin by making the effort, trusting that this will be for the best, maybe not immediately, but eventually. It may appear and feel to be you against the world. That is because this is exactly what following God amounts to. Eventually your place with God in this world can and will be established.

Like any relationship, trust must be proven. As we prove to God our worthiness, God will respond in kind. If you are patient and if you persevere, rewards on earth and in heaven await.