We find in the law of Moses a precept concerning frontlets. (Exodus 13:16; Deuteronomy 6:8) And though we, under the glorious dispensation of the gospel, have no direction concerning them, yet it may not be improper, nor perhaps unprofitable, to notice them in a cursory way. The religious world hath been divided in opinion concerning what was intended by frontlets. Some have contended that the precept was not meant in the literal sense of the word, but only figuratively. By frontiers between the eyes, they say, was shadowed, that all the Lord commanded should be continually before their eyes, that they might never lose sight of his precepts. And in confirmation of this opinion, it is said, that before the church was carried into Babylon, they were not known. And we do not find a word in any of the prophets in respect to their neglect, or the use of them. That they were in use in the days of our Lord seems more than probable; for Jesus, speaking of the Scribes and Pharisees, said, "that they made broad their phylacteries." (Matthew 23:5) It doth not appear, that our Lord condemned the use, but the abuse of them; and from the motive for which they wore themto be seen of men. But those who accept the precept of Moses in the literal sense of the thing itself, not only believe, that the Hebrews wore frontlets, but have described the form and manner in which they were worn. The account is gathered from Exodus 13:1-22, and from portions of the book of Deuteronomy. If the reader will consult those chapters, he will find four distinct precepts; which four precepts they say, were marked on four pieces of a kind of skin or parchment, and wore on their foreheads. The first was, "Sanctify unto me all the first-born," etc. (Exodus 13:2-10) The second was, "When the Lord shall bring thee into the land of the Canaanites," etc. (Exodus 13:11-16) The third was taken from the book of Deuteronomy, "Hear; O Israel! the Lord our God is one Lord." (Deuteronomy 6:4-5) And the fourth was taken from Deuteronomy 11:13-21 "If thou shalt hearken diligently unto my commandments," etc.
The frontlets of the head were called by the Jews Tephila. It is said, that even in modern times the most devout of the Jews wear them in their devotions. What a blessedness is it, in the holy faith the believer in Jesus is called to, that our great High Priest bears the names and persons of his people on his breast and on his arm, and is himself the sweet and holy frontlet for all the redeemed. How beautiful and expressive the prayer of the church on this point. (Song of Solomon 8:6)