Day 10 – Pomegranate

(Punica granatum)

“Make pomegranates out of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn, and attach them to the hem of the robe, with gold bells between them. The gold bells and pomegranates are to alternate all around the hem. Aaron will wear this robe whenever he ministers before the Lord, and the bells will tinkle as he goes in and out of the Lord’s presence in the Holy Place. If he wears it, he will not die.” Exodus 28:33-35 NLT

The Bible mentions pomegranates 15 times, and the first introduction of the sacred status of this fruit is in the instructions for the priestly garments. The pomegranates were made from blue, purple, and scarlet yarn alternating between little bells and hung around the hem of the priestly robe, symbolising righteousness, wisdom, and fruitfulness. The bells were utilitarian, signalling the high priest’s entrance into the Holy Place.

With lots of patience, one could count the number of seeds of this beautiful fruit. Jewish traditions believe there are 613 seeds in a pomegranate, each representing the 613 mitzvot (the commandments or the Mosaic law), emphasising the righteous symbolism. God does not (has never and will never) leave anything to change. He gave meticulous instructions for the manufacturing of these robes, and because we cannot be righteous of ourselves, God still made a way for the priests to enter into His presence and represent His nation. Remember, this was long before Jesus brought salvation through His death and resurrection. Today we can stand righteously before God (without the bells and whistles – or pomegranates) under the Blood of Jesus.

Prayer: Father, thank You for breaking open the pomegranate for us to understand that the only way we can be righteous is not through what we wear, act, or our works – but through Jesus Christ who came to fulfil the law. Help me, Lord, to understand Your commandments in light of righteousness and because You love me, You made a way for me to be with You. Amen.

Love, Pastor Iriza