The Mystery of the High Priest’s Rope
“Where’s my rope? Hurry, tie it to my ankle, the service is about to begin and I must wear my rope!” The High Priest never uttered these words. We do not want to create a theological crisis for you, but the High Priest never wore bells nor was a rope tied to his ankle when he entered the Holy of Holies on Yom Kippur. The legend makes for a good story and spices up a sermon. Unfortunately, there is no historical or biblical basis for this legend. Yet the story in its various forms is continually repeated in Christian circles. Where and when did it all start? What is the source of the claim? The Story Supposedly, on the Yom Kippur the High Priest had a rope tied around his ankle before entering the Holy of Holies. He would proceed beyond the veil to burn incense before the Ark and sprinkle blood seven times upon the mercy. While in the presence of the Lord (Shekinah) if there was any hint of sin in his life he would be struck dead. The bells on his garment would stop tinkling a