BELL . A number of small bronze bells, both of the ordinary shape with clapper and of the ‘ball and slit’ form, have been found at Gezer ( PEFSt [Note: Quarterly Statement of the same.] , 1904, 354, with illustt.). The bells of ‘pure gold’ ( Exodus 39:25 ), which alternated with pomegranate ornaments on the skirt of the high priest’s robe ( Exodus 28:33 f.), were doubtless of one or other of these forms. Their purpose is stated in Exodus 28:35 , but the underlying idea is obscure (see the Comm.). The ‘bells of the horses’ of Zechariah 14:20 represent another word akin to that rendered ‘cymbals.’ Whether these ornaments were really bells or, as is usually supposed, small metal discs (cf. the ‘crescents’ of Judges 8:21 RV [Note: Revised Version.] ) Is uncertain.
A. R. S. Kennedy.