Phylacteries in Biblical History

Bible History

Schaff's Bible Dictionary

Definitions in Biblical History
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What are Phylacteries?
PHYLACTERIES
(preservation, or safeguard, with reference either to the preserving of the words of the Law in the memory or to the preservation of the person from danger, as by the amulets or charms of modern superstition). The practice of using phylacteries was founded on a literal interpretation of Ex 13:9, Ex 17:16; Deut 6:8; Acts 11:18, where God commands the Hebrews to bear the Law in their hearts and in their heads, and it is still continued in our days. There are two kinds of phylacteries - one to be worn on the forehead, between the eyebrows, and another to be worn on the left arm. The former was called a "frontlet," and was composed of four pieces of parchment, on the first of which was written Ex 12:2-10; on the second, Ex 13:11-21; on the third, Deut 6:4-9; and on the fourth, Deut 11:18-21. These pieces of parchment, thus inscribed, were inclosed in a piece of tough skin, making a square, on one side of which was placed the Hebrew letter shin, and this box was tied to the forehead with a thong or riband. Some wore them both evening and morning, and others only at morning prayer. The Phylactery. The other kind of phylacteries consisted of two rolls of parchment, written in square letters, with an ink made on purpose, and with much care. They were rolled up to a point, enclosed in a sort of case of black calfskin, and then put upon a square bit of the same leather, whence hung a thong of the same, about a finger in breadth and about two feet long. These rolls were placed near the elbow of the left arm, and after one end of the thong had been made into a little knot in the form of the Hebrew letter yod, it was wound about the arm in a spiral line, which ended at the top of the middle finger.

Bibliography Information
Schaff, Philip, Dr. "Biblical Definition for 'phylacteries' in Schaffs Bible Dictionary".
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