Frontlets

Frontlets [Heb. topapot]. Headband worn on the forehead.

The term occurs only three times (Exod 13:16; Deut 6:8; 11:18). In these passages it is used in the context of instructions to observe the law. The figure of speech used in these passages suggests a metaphorical understanding of the making of the law as frontlets (Exod 13:9; Deut 11:18). Accordingly, the wearing of the law as frontlets "between the eyes" implies that the commandments given by the Lord should always be kept before the eyes of His people.

In post-exilic Judaism, however, these passages from the Pentateuch were interpreted literally, so Orthodox Jews began to wear on their forearm and forehead small cube-shaped boxes made of calfskin (phylacteries) in which were placed rolled up parchments containing Scripture texts (Exod 13:1-10, 11-16; Deut 6:4-9; 11:13-21). Jesus mentioned phylacteries (Grk. phylaktēria) in His critique of the Scribes and Pharisees in Matthew 23:5. See also Phylactery.