Hebrew Bible
The Hebrew noun meil occurs 30 times in the Masoretic Text of the Hebrew Bible, and refers not only to the robe of the high priest but also any robe worn over a tunic by men of rank, such as the robe Jonathan gave to David, or his mantle which Job in desperation tore, and also the outer cloak of women - such as the robe worn by David's daughters.
It was a sleeveless, purple-blue or violet (techelet) robe (me'il), woven in a single piece. The opening in the center for the High Priest's head to pass through was woven, not cut or torn (Exodus 28:32). The lower hem of the garment was fringed with small golden bells alternating with pomegranate-shaped tassels of blue (turquoise), purple and scarlet wool (Exodus 28:33-34).
The golden bells are a necessity, and they must ring when the High Priest enters the Holy of Holies on the Day of Atonement, lest he die (Exodus 28:35).
Read more about this topic: Priestly Robe (Judaism)
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