I’m particularly fascinated by the infrequent occurrences of certain words in the Torah, as they often reveal profound connections. This week, a phrase from the text caught my attention—how the Jewish people had “become attached” to the gods of Baal Peor (Numbers 25:3). The Hebrew word for “become attached” is quite peculiar: it stems from the root word “bracelet,” tzimid.
Unveiling the symbolic meaning of bracelets in the Bible
This term first appears when Abraham’s servant identifies Rebekah as Isaac’s intended bride. As a pre-engagement gesture, he presents her with two bracelets. Bracelets, typically worn on the wrists, symbolize our actions and decisions. In this context, the bracelets serve as a link between Rebekah and Isaac, akin to a modern engagement ring. With the exchange of these significant bracelets, Rebekah is promised to Isaac, symbolically excluding her from the consideration of other suitors.
Another binding ritual for Jewish men is the use of tefillin, employed in daily prayer to reaffirm our commitment to God. While a bracelet signifies a connection to another person, tefillin symbolize our connection to the Creator.
Therefore, when certain individuals among the Jewish people became “braceleted” to the idol Baal Peor, they effectively excluded God from their lives. This act parallels the offense of idolatry to a committed relationship, akin to an engaged woman engaging in infidelity.
Another significant instance where this word appears in the Torah is when discussing the contamination of a vessel by contact with a corpse:
וְכֹל֙ כְּלִ֣י פָת֔וּחַ אֲשֶׁ֛ר אֵין־צָמִ֥יד פָּתִ֖יל עָלָ֑יו טָמֵ֖א הֽוּא׃
“And every open vessel, with no lid [bracelet] fastened down, shall be unclean.”
This illustration strengthens the concept: a lid/bracelet serves to separate an object from its surroundings, maintaining its integrity and shielding it from unwanted external influences. This could yield positive outcomes, as seen in Rebekah’s case, or negative consequences, as with the seduced men.
By employing these terms in such contexts, the Torah emphasizes the numerous parallels between adultery and idolatry: the covenant between husband and wife is deserving of the same sanctity and exclusivity as the bond between humanity and our Creator.
