Five Effects of the Bar Kokhba Revolt on Jews and Judaism

Bar Kokhba Revolt Art by True Christian Press

Captivating History

Caption: Bells and pomegranates at the end of the dress of the Levite priests represent the seven thunders at the end of the Levitical priesthood in the doomed second century rebellion launched to rebuild the defunct Temple and restore animal sacrifices (Rev. 10:1-11 and 20:7-15)  The Hebrew text reads, "Make pomegranates of blue, purple and scarlet yarn around the hem of the robe, with gold bells between them." (Exodus 28:33)  Josephus explains the symbolism thus, "There were also golden bells that hung upon the fringes, and pomegranates intermixed among them.  The bells signified thunder, and the pomegranates lightning."  Josephus' Wars 5.5.7:231