Reaching for the Tallit, Part II (Nov., 2021)

We saw last month that the prayer shawl or Tallit in Scripture was most significant. The Lord commanded Moses to instruct the males to make the Tallit in a certain way (see Numbers 15:38-41; Deut.22:12). The most important reason for the Tallit was the fringe (Tzizi) which was on each of the four corners, signifying a reminder of the commandments of the Lord and the importance of doing them. Elijah and Elisha both used the Tallit to extend over the Jordan River so that they could pass over on dry ground. Yes, the mantle was the Tallit (2 Kings2). We see the Tallit as a symbol of God’s holiness and having great authority when used in conjunction with faith. We see the power of the Commandments of God at work.

Another word for the Tzitzit or hem or border of the Tallit was called the “Wing”. The Tallit is placed around the shoulders and allowed to drop with two corners upfront and two corners at the back. If the arms are raised as if one would fly, it appears to form wings. Psalms 91:4 says, “He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: His truth (His Word) shall be thy shield and buckler.” Under His wings, we can find refuge. Psalms 63:7 says, “Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.” Psalms 61:4 Amp., “Let me dwell in your tent forever! Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings.” (Notice “tent” as we will look at this again.) Jesus said in Luke 13:34, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not.” Malachi 4:2 Amp. says, “But for you who fear My name [with awe-filled reverence] the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go forward and leap [joyfully] like calves [released] from the stall.” Notice the connection of the wings and healing.

Tallit is the words “Tal” – “tent” and “ith” – “little”. In other words, it means “Little Tent.” There was the Tent of Meeting in the Scripture. The Priests were the only ones allowed in to meet with God. Others could meet with God in their personal Tent of Meeting; beneath the Tallit. Six million Jews could not fit into the Tent of Meeting that was set up in the Old Testament. The Tallit was their personal tent; a place that they could meet with God. They pulled the front corners of the Tallit around the front of them, forming a tent. It was their prayer closet.

The Tallit was often raised up like a tent on four poles. This was used in the Jewish weddings. The bride and groom were married beneath it; called the Chupa. In other words, God spreads His wings over them. They find refuge beneath His wings. They marry under the power of the Word; His holiness; His authority.

You may have a special place in your home called your “prayer closet”. That is fine. The main thing is meet with the Father in Jesus’ name. Have a place that you can worship Him, petition Him, declare His Word before Him, thank Him, and listen to Him. Don’t be distracted by people, cell phones, or anything else. The Lord is waiting on you.

Will you come and abide in His tent?