Exodus 40:32

KJV

When they went into the tent of the congregation, and when they came near unto the altar, they washed; as the LORD commanded Moses.

KJV (with Strong's)

When they went {H935} into the tent {H168} of the congregation {H4150}, and when they came near {H7126} unto the altar {H4196}, they washed {H7364}; as the LORD {H3068} commanded {H6680} Moses {H4872}.

Complete Jewish Bible

so that they could wash when entering the tent of meeting and when approaching the altar, as ADONAI had ordered Moshe.

Berean Standard Bible

They washed whenever they entered the Tent of Meeting or approached the altar, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.

American Standard Version

when they went into the tent of meeting, and when they came near unto the altar, they washed; as Jehovah commanded Moses.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 40:32 meticulously details the final, crucial act of the consecrated priests, Aaron and his sons, washing themselves at the bronze laver. This ritual purification was a prerequisite before they could enter the Tent of Meeting or approach the altar for sacred service, thereby concluding the extensive narrative of the Tabernacle's construction, consecration, and the commencement of priestly ministry. The verse profoundly underscores the divine requirement for ceremonial purity and the priests' faithful obedience to God's precise commands, establishing the foundational principle that holiness is an indispensable prerequisite for approaching and serving a holy God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 40:32 is situated within the climactic final chapter of the book of Exodus, which meticulously chronicles the completion, erection, and consecration of the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the commencement of priestly service. The preceding verses [Exodus 40:1-33](/exodus/40-1-33 "Exodus 40:1-33 - Moses Erects the Tabernacle") detail Moses's precise execution of God's instructions for setting up each component of the sanctuary, from the Ark of the Covenant to the altar of burnt offering. This specific verse follows the placement of the bronze laver [Exodus 40:30-31](/exodus/40-30-31 "Exodus 40:30-31 - Placement of the Laver"), the command for which was given earlier in the book [Exodus 30:17-21](/exodus/30-17-21 "Exodus 30:17-21 - Command for the Bronze Laver"). The repeated phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses" throughout [Exodus 39](/exodus/39 "Exodus 39 - Tabernacle Garments and Offerings") and [Exodus 40](/exodus/40 "Exodus 40 - Completion of the Tabernacle") emphasizes the unwavering obedience of the Israelites and their leaders, culminating in the glorious divine indwelling immediately after the Tabernacle's completion [Exodus 40:34-38](/exodus/40-34-38 "Exodus 40:34-38 - The Glory of the LORD Fills the Tabernacle").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Tabernacle served as God's mobile dwelling place among the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings, a sacred space where the transcendent God condescended to meet with His people. While ancient Near Eastern cultures often had provisions for ritual purity before approaching deities in their temples, the Israelite system, with its emphasis on the bronze laver, was unique in its explicit divine command and its integration into a comprehensive sacrificial and priestly system. The laver, positioned strategically between the outer altar and the Tent of Meeting, was not merely for physical hygiene but for ceremonial purification, essential for the priests to avoid death when ministering in the immediate presence of a holy God, as explicitly warned in [Exodus 30:20-21](/exodus/30-20-21 "Exodus 30:20-21 - Consequence of Not Washing at the Laver"). This act of washing symbolized the necessity of both physical and spiritual cleanliness, profoundly reflecting God's demand for holiness from those who served Him, distinguishing His worship from the often impure practices of surrounding pagan cultures.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several major theological and narrative themes prevalent in Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the **holiness of God** and the corresponding necessity of **human purity** when approaching Him. The meticulous instructions for the Tabernacle and its rituals, culminating in this act of washing, underscore God's absolute transcendence and His demand for a people set apart for His service. It also highlights the theme of **divine command and human obedience**, as the repeated phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses" throughout [Exodus 39](/exodus/39 "Exodus 39 - Tabernacle Garments and Offerings") and [Exodus 40](/exodus/40 "Exodus 40 - Completion of the Tabernacle") emphasizes the faithfulness required in executing God's revealed will. Furthermore, the verse points to the theme of **mediation**, as the priests, through their consecrated service and ritual purity, acted as intermediaries between a holy God and His people, foreshadowing the ultimate mediator.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Tent (Hebrew, _ʼôhel'_):** From H168, this word refers to a tent as something clearly conspicuous from a distance, serving as a covering, dwelling place, or home. In the context of "tent of the congregation," it specifically designates the Tabernacle as the portable sanctuary, a visible sign of God's presence among His people.
* **Congregation (Hebrew, _môwʻêd'_):** From H4150, this term denotes an appointment, a fixed time or season, or specifically a festival. By implication, it refers to an assembly convened for a definite purpose, technically the congregation, or by extension, the place of meeting. Thus, "Tent of the Congregation" (or "Tent of Meeting") signifies the designated place where God appointed to meet with His people, emphasizing its role as the locus of divine encounter and covenantal interaction.
* **Washed (Hebrew, _râchats'_):** From H7364, this primitive root means to lave, or to wash oneself, either entirely or a part of the body. In this context, it signifies a thorough, complete cleansing, emphasizing a deliberate and comprehensive act of ritual purification. This washing was a non-negotiable prerequisite for the priests, signifying the removal of defilement to prepare them for holy service and access to God's presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When they went into the tent of the congregation,"**: This clause specifies the first of two critical junctures requiring purification. "They" refers to Aaron and his sons, the consecrated priests. Their entry into the sacred inner space of the Tabernacle, where God's presence was manifested, mandated a prior act of cleansing, underscoring the holiness of the divine dwelling.
* **"and when they came near unto the altar,"**: This second clause identifies the other critical point for purification. The altar of burnt offering, located in the outer court, was the initial point of sacred interaction in the Tabernacle complex, where sacrifices for atonement and communion were offered. Whether entering the Tent or approaching the altar for their sacrificial duties, the priests were required to wash, emphasizing that all aspects of their sacred service demanded ritual purity.
* **"they washed;"**: This concise yet profound statement describes the action taken by the priests, confirming their meticulous obedience to the divine command regarding the laver. The act of washing was not optional but an essential, non-negotiable step in their ministry, signifying their readiness, fitness, and reverence to engage with the holy.
* **"as the LORD commanded Moses."**: This concluding phrase serves as a powerful affirmation of divine authority and human obedience. It reiterates the recurring motif throughout the Tabernacle narrative, emphasizing that every detail of its construction, consecration, and daily service was precisely according to God's direct instruction. This phrase underscores the non-negotiable nature of God's commands and the unwavering faithfulness of Moses and the priests in executing them.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices that enhance its theological message. **Repetition** is a key feature, particularly the phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses," which appears frequently in [Exodus 39](/exodus/39 "Exodus 39 - Tabernacle Garments and Offerings") and [Exodus 40](/exodus/40 "Exodus 40 - Completion of the Tabernacle"). This persistent affirmation reinforces the theme of meticulous obedience to divine instruction and validates the entire Tabernacle project as divinely ordained and perfectly executed. **Symbolism** is also central, as the act of washing at the bronze laver is not merely a physical act but a powerful symbol of purification and sanctification. It visually represents the spiritual truth that those who approach a holy God must be cleansed from defilement. The very placement of the laver between the altar and the Tent of Meeting is an example of **spatial symbolism**, indicating that cleansing is a necessary intermediary step between atonement (at the altar) and communion (in the Tent). Furthermore, the precise, almost formulaic description of the priests' actions contributes to a sense of **ritualistic exactitude**, highlighting the sacredness and unchangeable nature of the divine requirements for worship and service.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 40:32 profoundly illustrates several enduring theological truths that resonate throughout biblical revelation. It underscores the absolute **holiness of God** and the consequent necessity of **purity and sanctification** for anyone who would approach Him. The ritual washing was a tangible reminder that sin and defilement create an impassable barrier between humanity and the divine, and that God demands a prepared and clean heart from those who serve Him. This verse also highlights the paramount importance of **obedience to divine command**, demonstrating that true worship is not self-invented but arises from faithful adherence to God's revealed will. The meticulous detail of the Tabernacle's construction and service, culminating in this act of washing, teaches that God cares about the "how" of worship as much as the "what," emphasizing the reverence and order required in His presence.

* [Exodus 30:18-21](/exodus/30-18-21 "Exodus 30:18-21 - The Command for the Laver and its Purpose")
* [Leviticus 8:6](/leviticus/8-6 "Leviticus 8:6 - Moses Washes Aaron and His Sons")
* [Hebrews 10:22](/hebrews/10-22 "Hebrews 10:22 - Drawing Near with a True Heart in Full Assurance of Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 40:32, though describing an ancient ritual, holds profound and timeless lessons for believers today. It calls us to cultivate a deep reverence for God, recognizing His infinite holiness and our own inherent need for cleansing. While we no longer perform ceremonial washings, the underlying principle remains: we cannot casually or presumptuously enter God's presence. Our approach must be marked by humility, intentionality, and a recognition of the spiritual purity required. This verse challenges us to consider our own "preparation for worship" – not just in formal gatherings, but in our daily lives. Do we seek spiritual cleansing through confession and repentance before engaging with God in prayer, Bible study, or Christian service? Do we strive for a life of obedience, knowing that our service is acceptable to Him only when it aligns with His commands? The meticulousness of the priests' actions serves as a powerful reminder that our walk with God is a serious, sacred journey demanding our utmost sincerity and commitment to holiness, reflecting our desire to honor His divine character.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the priests' meticulous obedience in Exodus 40:32 challenge my own approach to God's commands in daily life?**
* **In what ways do I seek "spiritual cleansing" through confession and repentance before engaging in prayer, Bible study, or Christian service?**
* **What does the requirement for purity before God teach me about His character and my relationship with Him?**

### FAQ
**Why was the act of washing so critical for the priests in the Tabernacle?**

Answer: The washing was critical because it symbolized and enacted ceremonial purification, which was absolutely essential for the priests to minister in the presence of a holy God. God is utterly pure and set apart, and any defilement, whether moral or ritualistic, was incompatible with His presence. The laver was strategically positioned between the altar of burnt offering (where sin was atoned for) and the Tent of Meeting (where God met His people), signifying that cleansing was a necessary step between atonement and communion. Without this washing, the priests risked death, as explicitly warned in [Exodus 30:20-21](/exodus/30-20-21 "Exodus 30:20-21 - Consequence of Not Washing at the Laver"), because they would be approaching God in an unholy state. It underscored the profound reverence and purity required for sacred service.

**What is the significance of the recurring phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses" in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "as the LORD commanded Moses" (or similar variations) is a powerful and frequently repeated motif throughout the latter chapters of Exodus, especially concerning the Tabernacle's construction and setup. Its significance lies in emphasizing the divine origin and absolute authority of every detail of the Tabernacle and its rituals. It highlights the absolute faithfulness of Moses and the Israelites in executing God's precise instructions without deviation. This repetition serves to validate the entire enterprise as divinely ordained, ensuring that the Tabernacle was not a human invention but a direct revelation of God's will for worship and communion. It underscores the principle that true worship is always in obedience to God's revealed Word, not according to human preference or innovation, as seen in the broader narrative of [Exodus 25-40](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 40:32, with its emphasis on priestly washing for purification, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The bronze laver and its water served as a type, foreshadowing the complete and eternal cleansing provided by the blood of Christ. Unlike the Old Testament priests who had to repeatedly wash because their cleansing was only ceremonial and temporary, Jesus, our great High Priest, offered Himself once for all (as described in [Hebrews 7:27](/hebrews/7-27 "Hebrews 7:27 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice") and [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice and Cleansing")). His sacrifice on the cross purifies not just the hands and feet, but the conscience, enabling believers to draw near to God with a "true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water" (as described in [Hebrews 10:22](/hebrews/10-22 "Hebrews 10:22 - Drawing Near with a True Heart")). Through Christ, the barrier of sin is removed, and we, as a "royal priesthood" (as proclaimed in [1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")), are granted direct access to God's presence, not through ritual washing, but through faith in His finished work. The "as the LORD commanded Moses" of Exodus is fulfilled in the perfect obedience of Christ, who perfectly accomplished all that the Father commanded, opening the way for us to approach God with boldness and confidence (as seen in [Ephesians 3:12](/ephesians/3-12 "Ephesians 3:12 - Access to God through Faith in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 73:19

How are they [brought] into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.

Exodus 40:19

And he spread abroad the tent over the tabernacle, and put the covering of the tent above upon it; as the LORD commanded Moses.

Exodus 30:19

For Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet thereat:

Exodus 30:20

When they go into the tabernacle of the congregation, they shall wash with water, that they die not; or when they come near to the altar to minister, to burn offering made by fire unto the LORD: