Just a Little Hebrew Nugget
The Prayer
Shawl
By Jan Matthews, Founder
COVENANT WOMAN MINISTRIES
The Jewish prayer shawl, called the Talith (tal
eet), also called the “tallis” or “tallit,” was commanded by God in Deut.
22:12 and Num. 15:37-40 to be made with fringes on the borders of the garments throughout their generations,
“...that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the Lord.” “TALITH” contains
two words, “tal” meaning tent, and “ith” meaning little. Little tent. It would have been impossible for 6 million
Jews to fit under one tent of meeting, so the men each had their
own, under which they would sing their songs and pray.
The tassels on the corners of the prayer shawl are called
“tzitzit,” (tzeet tzeet). As the talith was placed over the head, it
formed a tent. WINGS of the garment were
formed when the arms were held out. So
the corners of the prayer shawl are often called “wings.”
“Wings” are referred to in Psalms 10 times,
and the Strong’s (3671) (kanaph, kaw nawf), meaning is winged,
feathered, edge, border, shirt, skirt, hem, garment! It is also translated “hem,” “corners” and
“skirt” when speaking of the hem of
Jesus’ garment, and of the prayer shawl.
So “wings” often are a symbol of prayer, or a “secret place” of refuge!
The prayer shawl is
considered holy. It’s where God speaks
and the innermost communications between man and God occur. You know what it’s like to walk into a room
where intercessory prayer has just taken place — it’s like holy ground! The Presence of God fills the very
atmosphere!
Prayer is where we hear
God the most. It’s where problems are
solved, hearts are cleansed and secrets are revealed! Ecclesiastes 10:20 says, “Curse not the
king, no not in thy thought; and curse not the rich in thy bedchamber: for a
bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which hath WINGS shall tell the
matter!” And that’s where the saying, “A little bird
told me,” was born. But the truth is…somebody’s
going to hear the gossip in their prayer closet!
Prayer. It’s the “grapevine” of heaven. ..If you want
to stay “in the know” — DO IT!
Jan Matthews, Founder & Executive Director
COVENANT WOMAN MINISTRIES