The Bible mentions bells in different contexts, often associated with priestly garments, worship, and the presence of God. Bells serve as symbols of holiness, reminders of God’s calling, and tools for alerting people to spiritual truths. Below are Bible verses that explore various themes surrounding bells in Scripture.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Camping
Bells on the High Priest’s Garment
In the Old Testament, bells were an essential part of the high priest’s attire. They symbolized the presence of God and ensured that the priest was heard as he entered the Most Holy Place. These bells were a reminder of the priest’s sacred duty and the reverence required when approaching God.
Exodus 28:33-34
“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.”
Exodus 28:35
“Aaron will wear this robe whenever he ministers before the Lord, and the bells will tinkle as he enters and leaves the Lord’s presence in the Holy Place. If he wears it, he will not die.”
Exodus 39:25-26
“They made bells of pure gold and placed them between the pomegranates along the hem of the robe, with bells and pomegranates alternating all around the hem.”
Leviticus 8:7-9
“He put the tunic on Aaron and tied the sash around him. He dressed him in the robe and placed the ephod on him, fastening the beautifully woven waistband of the ephod around him.”
Hebrews 9:7
“But only the high priest ever entered the Most Holy Place, and only once a year. And he always offered blood for his own sins and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance.”
Bells as Symbols of Holiness
Bells in the Bible can also symbolize holiness and being set apart for God. They are used as instruments to signify reverence and sacred duty. The sound of the bells reminds people of God’s presence and the importance of purity in worship.
Zechariah 14:20
“On that day even the harness bells of the horses will be inscribed with these words: ‘Holy to the Lord.’ And the cooking pots in the Temple of the Lord will be as sacred as the bowls used beside the altar.”
Psalm 99:9
“Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at his holy mountain in Jerusalem, for the Lord our God is holy!”
Isaiah 6:3
“They were calling out to each other, ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Heaven’s Armies! The whole earth is filled with his glory!'”
1 Peter 1:15-16
“But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, ‘You must be holy because I am holy.'”
Leviticus 20:26
“You must be holy because I, the Lord, am holy. I have set you apart from all other people to be my very own.”
Bells as a Call to Worship
Bells are often associated with calling people to worship. In biblical times, sounds like trumpets or bells were used to gather people for worship and prayer. These sounds remind believers to turn their hearts to God.
Numbers 10:3
“When both trumpets are blown, everyone must gather before you at the entrance of the Tabernacle.”
Psalm 100:2
“Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy.”
Psalm 150:6
“Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord! Praise the Lord!”
Isaiah 55:6
“Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near.”
Joel 2:15
“Blow the ram’s horn in Jerusalem! Announce a time of fasting; call the people together for a solemn meeting.”
Bells Representing Joy and Celebration
Throughout history, bells have been used to celebrate joyful occasions. The Bible often associates sound with joy, music, and celebration, signifying God’s blessings.
Psalm 98:4
“Shout to the Lord, all the earth; break out in praise and sing for joy!”
Luke 15:10
“In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.”
Psalm 118:24
“This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Nehemiah 8:10
“Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!”
Isaiah 35:10
“Those who have been ransomed by the Lord will return. They will enter Jerusalem singing, crowned with everlasting joy.”
Also Read: Bible Verses About Warning Before Destruction
Bells as a Reminder of God’s Presence
The sound of bells can serve as a reminder of God’s nearness. Just as bells call attention, they can also signify God’s guidance and constant presence in our lives.
Deuteronomy 31:6
“So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you.”
Joshua 1:9
“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Psalm 46:1
“God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.”
Isaiah 41:10
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”
Matthew 28:20
“Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Bells as a Warning or Alarm
Throughout Scripture, sounds like bells or trumpets were used to signal warnings, urging people to turn back to God. These sounds served as a call to repentance, vigilance, and preparation for God’s coming judgment.
Ezekiel 33:3
“When the watchman sees the enemy coming, he sounds the alarm to warn the people.”
Joel 2:1
“Sound the alarm in Jerusalem! Raise the battle cry on my holy mountain! Let everyone tremble in fear because the day of the Lord is upon us.”
Amos 3:6
“When the ram’s horn blows a warning, shouldn’t the people be alarmed? Does disaster come to a city unless the Lord has planned it?”
Revelation 8:6
“Then the seven angels with the seven trumpets prepared to blow their mighty blasts.”
Matthew 24:42
“So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming.”
Bells Proclaiming Victory
Bells can also be associated with victory, triumph, and deliverance. Just as battle horns and trumpets signaled victory in the Bible, bells can represent the triumph of God’s people over sin and darkness.
1 Corinthians 15:57
“But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Exodus 15:1
“Then Moses and the people of Israel sang this song to the Lord: ‘I will sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously; he has hurled both horse and rider into the sea.'”
Psalm 20:5
“May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory and raise a victory banner in the name of our God. May the Lord answer all your prayers.”
Romans 8:37
“No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.”
Revelation 19:1
“After this, I heard what sounded like a vast crowd in heaven shouting, ‘Praise the Lord! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God.'”
From the priestly garments of the Old Testament to the triumphant declarations of victory in the New Testament, bells in the Bible serve as symbols of God’s holiness, presence, worship, and triumph. May these verses remind us to listen for God’s call, celebrate His presence, and prepare for His coming with hearts full of worship and devotion.