ECCLESIASTES 5:1: “KEEP THY FOOT WHEN THOU GOEST TO THE HOUSE OF GOD, AND BE MORE READY TO HEAR, THAN TO GIVE THE SACRIFICE OF FOOLS: FOR THEY CONSIDER NOT THAT THEY DO EVIL.”

LIVING WITH AWE AND ASSURANCE

Welcome, esteemed Bible workers and faithful seekers of truth! Building upon our understanding of the priestly bells, today we delve deeper into their profound symbolism as highlighted in Lesson No. 229: “Priestly Bells: Symbol of Reverent Access and Ongoing Ministry.” Beyond merely signaling the High Priest’s living presence, the sound of these golden bells served as a constant reminder of the reverence due to God and the beautiful, continuous nature of divine intercession, pointing ultimately to our final redemption. We will explore these themes through the clear light of Scripture and the inspired writings central to the Seventh-day Adventist Reform Movement.

DIVINE ETIQUETTE! APPROACHING HOLINESS!

The sound of the bells on the High Priest’s robe, as he moved within the sacred space, was a distinct call to reverence for the congregation. It signified that holy work was in progress, that the divine presence was being approached, and that an attitude of solemnity and awe was required from all who worshipped. The command “Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God” (Ecclesiastes 5:1) encapsulates this spirit. Ellen G. White states, “The priests were never to appear in the presence of God without the warning sound of the bells, which signified that the attention of the people was to be called to the sacred service in which the priest was engaged.” (The Signs of the Times, July 29, 1880). This auditory cue fostered an atmosphere of profound respect, reminding Israel that drawing near to Jehovah was a holy privilege, not to be undertaken lightly. Sr. White further emphasizes, “There should be an intelligent knowledge of how to approach God—in reverence and godly fear with a sense of the awe of His presence.” (Selected Messages, Book 2, p. 315). The bells thus served as a divine reminder of the sanctity of God’s presence and the humility required to enter it. “Reverence for the house of God should be taught to every child.” (Child Guidance, p. 541).

HEAVEN’S EAR ATTENTIVE! INTERCESSION’S SONG!

The continuous tinkling of the bells also symbolized the ongoing, attentive nature of divine intercession. As the High Priest ministered, the bells assured the people that their mediator was actively presenting their needs and prayers before God, and that heaven was indeed listening. This beautiful symbolism points to the constant advocacy of Christ, our High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary. Sr. White beautifully describes this aspect: “Heaven is attentive while Christ pleads with the Father on our behalf.” (The Great Controversy, p. 489). The sound was an emblem of a living, dynamic connection between God and His people, facilitated by the priestly ministry. Sr. White also explains, “The golden bells on the priest’s robes, that sounded when he went into the holy place, and when he came out, were to call the attention of the people to his sacred mission, and to the importance of their having their hearts drawn out in prayer to God, that his services in their behalf might be accepted.” (The Review and Herald, January 17, 1882). This imagery underscores the comforting truth that our prayers, offered through Christ, do not go unheard. “When we pray, we speak with God, and He listens to us. He has pledged His word that He will hear the prayers of those who come to Him in faith.” (The Signs of the Times, June 18, 1896).

BEAUTY OF GRACE! REDEMPTION’S PROMISE!

Furthermore, the sound of the priestly bells, interwoven with the symbolism of the fruitful pomegranates, called to mind the beauty and completeness of God’s redemptive plan, ultimately pointing toward final redemption. Each note was a reminder of the “solemn work of redemption” being enacted. Sr. White states, “Every sound from the bells called to mind the solemn work of redemption.” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 351). This constant reminder was intended to inspire hope and devotion, keeping before the people the promise that God was actively working to restore them to Himself. The beauty of this continual divine intercession, signified by the bells, foreshadowed the grace found in Christ, who not only initiates our salvation but sustains it through His unceasing ministry. Sr. White further elaborates, “The typical service was a constant reminder of the great sacrifice that was to be made for the redemption of the fallen race.” (The Story of Redemption, p. 143). This points to the ultimate hope, beautifully expressed by Isaiah: “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!” (Isaiah 52:7).

FINAL CALL TO WORSHIP! PROPHECY’S DEMAND!

In light of the bells symbolizing reverent access, ongoing ministry, and the hope of redemption, what prophetic anti-type emerges from Daniel, Revelation, or Matthew 24 concerning our time? This symbolism finds its powerful antitypical fulfillment in the urgent, final call to reverence and worship God as Creator and Judge, understanding that Christ’s mediatorial work is drawing to its close. Revelation 14:7 commands with a loud voice, “Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.” This is a direct call to the kind of deep reverence the ancient bells sought to inspire, especially now, in the antitypical Day of Atonement. Sr. White connects this reverence to the current ministry of Christ: “We are now living in the great day of atonement. In the typical service, while the high priest was making the atonement for Israel, all were required to afflict their souls by repentance of sin and humiliation before the Lord, lest they be cut off from among the people.” (The Great Controversy, p. 489). Furthermore, Revelation 15:4 echoes this sentiment of ultimate reverence: “Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.” Sr. White adds, “The theme of greatest importance is the third angel’s message, embracing the messages of the first and second angels. All should understand the truths contained in these messages and demonstrate them in daily life, for this is essential to salvation.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 8, p. 161), truths which call for profound reverence and an understanding of Christ’s concluding ministry.  

GOD’S HEART REVEALED! YEARNING FOR OUR AWE!

The symbolism of the priestly bells—calling for reverence and assuring of ongoing intercession—beautifully reveals God’s yearning for a people who approach Him with understanding, awe, and heartfelt devotion, not with superstitious fear or casual indifference. He desires His children to be conscious of His holy presence and the sacredness of the access He provides through mediation. Sr. White observes, “God is Himself the source of all wisdom, all truth, all goodness. He is great and greatly to be feared; He is to be reverenced by all His intelligent creatures.” (The Signs of the Times, May 12, 1887). The bells were a means to cultivate this awareness, reminding Israel that their God was majestic and holy, yet lovingly attentive to their needs through His appointed minister. “The Lord is to be reverenced by His people. True reverence for God is inspired by a sense of His infinite greatness and a realization of His presence.” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 252). This reveals a God who values an informed, respectful relationship with His creation.

What, then, are my, and our, responsibilities toward God, in light of the reverence and assurance symbolized by the priestly bells? We are called to cultivate a spirit of profound reverence in all our approaches to God—in prayer, in the study of His Word, and especially in corporate worship. We must “serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:28-29). Sr. White counsels, “Reverence should be shown for God’s name. Never should that name be spoken lightly or thoughtlessly.” (Steps to Christ, p. 106). Furthermore, we must live with the constant, comforting assurance of Christ’s unceasing intercession, trusting that He is always ministering for us in the heavenly sanctuary. “Let us keep our hearts stayed upon God, trusting in His mercy, and believing in His love.” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 248). This involves a conscious decision to walk in “holy fear,” which is not a slavish dread but a loving awe that leads to careful obedience and trust.

And what responsibilities toward our neighbors arise from understanding this deep symbolism of the priestly bells? We have a sacred duty to model and inspire in others a similar spirit of reverence for God and His sanctuary, both earthly (the church) and heavenly. Our demeanor, our words, and our worship practices should communicate the holiness of God and the privilege of approaching Him. Sr. White urges, “Ministers, teach the people to be reverent. Impress upon them the sacredness of God’s house and His worship, that when they enter the courts of the Lord they may have a sense of awe and veneration.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 5, p. 498). Additionally, we must share the comforting truth of Christ’s continual intercession, helping others understand that heaven is indeed attentive to their prayers and that through Christ, they have reverent access to the Father. “We are to lift up Jesus, and to present Him to men as their only hope and Saviour.” (Gospel Workers, p. 159).

THE ENDURING CALL TO REVERENT WORSHIP

The golden bells on the High Priest’s robe, though silent now, continue to resonate with profound spiritual lessons. They call us to a worship that is deeply reverent, keenly aware of God’s majesty and holiness. They also sing a song of unceasing hope, reminding us of the continuous, attentive intercession of our Great High Priest, Jesus Christ. This dual message of reverence and assurance is vital for God’s people, especially as we navigate the solemn realities of these last days, looking forward to our final redemption. The priestly bells, symbols of reverent access and ongoing ministry, find their ultimate meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He grants us access to the Father, and His intercession never ceases. As we contemplate this beautiful imagery, may we be inspired to approach God with deeper reverence, to trust more fully in Christ’s constant mediation, and to live in joyful anticipation of that day when we shall see Him face to face, and our redemption will be complete. Let our lives echo the sacred harmony of reverence for God and unwavering faith in His redeeming grace.