Exodus 29:4

And Aaron and his sons thou shalt bring unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and shalt wash them with water.

And Aaron {H175} and his sons {H1121} thou shalt bring {H7126} unto the door {H6607} of the tabernacle {H168} of the congregation {H4150}, and shalt wash {H7364} them with water {H4325}.

"Bring Aharon and his sons to the entrance of the tent of meeting, and wash them with water.

Then present Aaron and his sons at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and wash them with water.

And Aaron and his sons thou shalt bring unto the door of the tent of meeting, and shalt wash them with water.

Commentary

Exodus 29:4 initiates the detailed instructions for the sacred ordination ceremony of Aaron and his sons as priests in ancient Israel. This pivotal verse establishes the foundational step of purification, emphasizing the absolute necessity of being cleansed before entering into consecrated service to God.

Context of Exodus 29:4

This verse is situated within the latter part of the book of Exodus, which meticulously outlines the construction of the Tabernacle and the establishment of the Levitical priesthood. Having provided the intricate architectural plans for God's dwelling place (Exodus 25:8) and the specific priestly garments, God now instructs Moses on the precise rituals for consecrating Aaron and his descendants. The act of washing them with water at the "door of the tabernacle of the congregation" was the very first step, signifying a profound cleansing and separation required before they could perform any sacred duties within God's holy presence.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Purity and Holiness: The primary message conveyed is the indispensable requirement of purity for anyone who would minister in the presence of a holy God. The physical washing was a powerful symbol of an inward cleansing and a separation from the common or profane.
  • Divine Mandate for Service: This initial act of washing was not optional but a direct command from God. It underscored that only those divinely chosen, designated, and purified by Him could serve in the sacred office of the priesthood.
  • Consecration and Ordination: The washing marked the formal commencement of the multi-step process by which Aaron and his sons were set apart for their lifelong sacred office, thereby inaugurating the Aaronic priesthood.
  • Symbolism of Water: Throughout Scripture, water is a recurring and potent symbol of cleansing, purification, and new beginnings. In this context, it signifies the removal of defilement and the preparation for a new, sanctified status.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word used for "wash" in this verse is rachatz (Χ¨ΦΈΧ—Φ·Χ₯). This term typically implies a thorough bathing or washing of the entire body, rather than merely ritualistic hand or foot washing. This emphasis on a complete cleansing highlights the profound and total purification required for the priests before their consecration. It underscores the totality of their transformation and setting apart for God's exclusive service.

Practical Application and Significance

Exodus 29:4 holds deep spiritual relevance for believers today. While the specific ceremonial laws of the Old Testament priesthood are no longer binding, the underlying principle of purity for service remains timeless. This initial washing of Aaron and his sons foreshadows the spiritual cleansing that is essential for all who seek to approach God and serve Him. For Christians, this spiritual purification is accomplished through faith in Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice cleanses us from all sin (Hebrews 9:14). The washing can also be seen as an Old Testament precursor to Christian baptism, symbolizing a new beginning, repentance, and dedication to God (Titus 3:5, "the washing of regeneration"). Ultimately, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that God is holy and calls His people to holiness, requiring a pure heart and clean hands to effectively serve in His kingdom.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated β€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 40:12

    And thou shalt bring Aaron and his sons unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and wash them with water.

  • Hebrews 10:22

    Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

  • Ephesians 5:26

    That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

  • 1 Peter 3:21

    ΒΆ The like figure whereunto [even] baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

  • Exodus 26:36

    And thou shalt make an hanging for the door of the tent, [of] blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, wrought with needlework.

  • John 13:8

    Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.

  • John 13:10

    Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash [his] feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.
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