Mat 23:5-7 | TNotes | STEP | 23:5 prayer boxes: Pious Jews wore, on the head and upper left arm, a small pouch or box (phylactery) containing written copies of important Old Testament commands (see Deut 6:6-9 ; 11:18-19 ). • Wearing tassels was another custom associated with piety (see Matt 9:20 ; see also Num 15:38-41 ). Lengthening the tassels called attention to their wearer’s pious practices.

bDeut 6:6-9►

c11:18-19►

dMatt 9:20►

eNum 15:38-41►

‏ Matthew 23:5-7

23:5 ^a prayer boxes: Pious Jews wore, on the head and upper left arm, a small pouch or box (phylactery) containing written copies of important Old Testament commands (see Deut 6:6-9 ^b; 11:18-19 ^c).

• Wearing tassels was another custom associated with piety (see Matt 9:20 ^d; see also Num 15:38-41 ^e). Lengthening the tassels called attention to their wearer’s pious practices.
23:6 ^f The seats of honor in the synagogues were near the scrolls of the Torah and facing the congregation.
23:7 ^g Rabbi was a title of authority and respect.