Exodus 40:31 – “and Moses and Aaron and his sons used it to wash their hands and feet.”
Extended Explanation
Exodus 40:31 describes the ritual washing that Moses, Aaron, and his sons performed before entering the Tent of Meeting or approaching the altar. The verse highlights the importance of purification before coming into God’s presence. This washing was not merely a matter of physical cleanliness but symbolized the need for spiritual purity and readiness to serve God. By washing their hands and feet, they were acknowledging their need for cleansing and preparation to perform their duties as priests, which involved making offerings and interceding on behalf of the people.
Historical Context
This verse is set within the context of the completion of the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness. God had given Moses detailed instructions on how to build the Tabernacle and how the priests should conduct themselves. The washing of hands and feet was a command given specifically for the priests, emphasizing the sacred nature of their duties. The priests were mediators between God and the people, and their ceremonial washing was a constant reminder of the holiness required to approach God.
Theological Implications
The ritual of washing before entering the presence of God underscores the concept of holiness and the separation between the sacred and the profane. It teaches that God is holy and that those who serve Him must be consecrated and clean, both physically and spiritually. This ritual also points forward to the idea of sanctification in the life of a believer—a continual process of being made holy through God’s work in our lives. The washing of the priests is a foreshadowing of the deeper spiritual cleansing that comes through faith in Jesus Christ.
Literary Analysis
Exodus 40:31 is part of a larger narrative that meticulously details the preparation and consecration of the Tabernacle. The verse is brief and straightforward, yet it carries significant weight in terms of its symbolic meaning. The repetition of actions, such as washing, throughout the chapters detailing the Tabernacle’s construction, serves to emphasize the gravity and sacredness of the acts being performed. The careful recording of these events underscores the importance of obedience to God’s commands in every detail of worship.
Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 30:19-21 – “Aaron and his sons are to wash their hands and feet with water from it whenever they enter the Tent of Meeting or approach the altar to minister by presenting a food offering to the LORD.”
- Psalm 24:3-4 – “Who may ascend the mountain of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart…”
- James 4:8 – “Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Exodus 40:31 is a powerful reminder of the need for spiritual preparation before approaching God. While we no longer perform physical rituals of washing, the principle behind this action remains relevant. Before coming to God in prayer, worship, or service, we should seek to have clean hands and pure hearts, asking God to cleanse us from anything that might hinder our relationship with Him. This verse also speaks to the importance of regular self-examination and repentance in the life of a believer.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse shows God’s desire for His people to approach Him in holiness, but it also reflects His provision for them to do so. By instituting the ritual of washing, God provided a means for the priests to be cleansed and prepared to serve Him. This reflects God’s love and care in guiding His people toward holiness, making a way for them to draw near to Him. God’s requirement for purity is not to keep us distant, but to bring us closer to Him, fully aware of His holiness and our need for His cleansing.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
The washing ritual in Exodus 40:31 is a foreshadowing of the spiritual cleansing provided through Jesus Christ. Jesus, who is our High Priest, offers a cleansing that goes beyond the physical. Through His sacrifice, we are washed clean of our sins and made righteous before God. This verse points forward to passages like John 13:10, where Jesus washes the feet of His disciples, symbolizing the deeper spiritual washing He offers. Additionally, Hebrews 10:22 speaks of the confidence we have to draw near to God because of the cleansing we receive through Christ’s sacrifice.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does it mean to have “clean hands and a pure heart” in today’s context?
- How can we practice spiritual cleansing in our daily walk with God?
- In what ways does understanding the ritual washing in the Old Testament enhance your appreciation of Christ’s work on the cross?
- How does God’s provision for purification in the Old Testament reflect His love for His people?
- What steps can you take to ensure that you are spiritually prepared to serve and worship God?