Deuteronomy 22:12

A Fringe On The Robe (Deuteronomy 22:12).

In Numbers 15:37 special tassels were to be a distinctive mark of the Israelite, and were to remind him of Yahweh's commandments. Here that requirement is simply demanded without explanation. In Numbers it was part of the nation's dedication to Yahweh.

Deuteronomy 22:12

‘ You shall make yourself tassels on the four borders of your robe with which you cover yourself.'

One purpose of the tassels was that the Israelite should look at them and remember all the commandments of Yahweh and do them (Numbers 15:37). Just as they could not do there own will with regard to these tassels, so neither could they do their own will with respect to the covenant. The robe would be worn by day and serve as a blanket by night. Thus the tassels would remind them constantly of Yahweh's covenant by day and by night. They would also be a means by which Israelites could be identified by their clothing, and would thus recognise fellow Israelites abroad or in battle, and provide a quiet means of witness to outsiders. They were the badge of the members of the covenant. They were to be attached by a dark blue thread which made them distinctive, a sign of heaven (Numbers 15:38).

But this may include the idea that the tassels would hold the robe down and prevent a man's nakedness being revealed. The Hebrew is literally ‘with which covering you cover yourself', emphasising the covering aspect of the garment.