Bible Dictionary
Bell
Bells were small metal ornaments attached to the high priest’s robe so that his sound could be heard in the sanctuary. Similar objects were attached to horses, though some translations render them cymbals.
Definition
A bell is a small ringing object, usually of metal. In Scripture, golden bells were attached to the hem of the high priest’s official robe. Objects described as bells on horses may instead have been cymbal-shaped ornaments.
Biblical Usage
The bells on the high priest’s robe enabled his sound to be heard when he entered and left the sanctuary. The objects on horses in Zechariah were ornaments rather than instruments used to summon Israel to worship.
Historical Background
Bells were not used by the Hebrews to call the congregation to worship. Small bells were also attached to horse harnesses and to animals leading eastern flocks.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
The bells first mentioned in Scripture are the small golden bells attached to the hem of the high priest’s ephod (Ex. 28:33, 34, 35). The “bells of the horses” mentioned by Zechariah (14:20) were attached to the bridles or belts round the necks of horses trained for war, so as to accustom them to noise and tumult.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>(metsilloth, pa`amon): The former of these terms occurs only once (Zec 14:20) where it is thus translated. It is derived from a verb meaning "to tingle" or "dirl" (1Sa 3:11), and there is, therefore, no objection etymologically to rendering the noun by "bells." But the little bell attached to the harness of horses would hardly be a suitable place for a fairly long inscription, and as buckles shaped exactly like cymbals (see MUSIC) were used as ornaments for horses, "cymbals" is probably a better rendering.</p><p>The other Hebrew word for bell is found only in Ex 28:33 f; 39:25,26, where "bells of gold" are directed to be attached to the hem of Aaron's official robe, that the people may hear him when he enters and quits the sanctuary. Bells were not employed by the Hebrews to summon the congregation to worship, nor do Mohammedans so use them at the present day. The church bell is a peculiarly Christian institution, said to have been introduced by Bishop Paulinus of Nola in Campania, who lived about the end of the 4th century. Little bells, however, like those attached to the hem of Aaron's robe, frequently form part of the harness of horses, or are fastened to the necks of the he-goats or wethers that lead the flock in eastern lands.</p><p>James Millar</p>