THEOSISPhilaret of Moscow (Drosdow)
Let the law serve as a reminder, not merely as a physical representation worn on your hand or as an ornament upon your forehead. The Pharisees, in their attempt to adhere to this directive, would attach a small piece of parchment bearing the Ten Commandments to their shoulders, foreheads, or the corners of their garments. Later generations of Jews interpreted this command as an instruction to create special prayer-boxes, known as tefillin, which they would bind to their foreheads and left arms during prayer, as referred to in the New Testament in Matthew 23:5. However, this interpretation likely arose after the Babylonian exile, when they infused their own traditions into God’s law.
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The term "totafoth" comes from the root word meaning to encircle and signifies a decorative element, such as a bracelet or wristband. It probably referred to the adornments worn on the heads of ancient Jews, serving as a visual reminder of God's commandments. For while Moses does not instruct, "You shall make a totafot," he implies that the commandment you receive should be akin to a totafot or serve in its capacity. Thus, the scripture is well understood: let God's law, particularly regarding the Passover, be like a seal on your hand, and let it be before your eyes as a diadem on your forehead.