What role did Moses and Aaron play in the cleansing process in Exodus 40:31? Scripture Focus “From it Moses and Aaron and his sons washed their hands and feet.” (Exodus 40:31) Setting the Scene • The Tabernacle has just been erected (Exodus 40:17). • A bronze basin filled with water now sits “between the Tent of Meeting and the altar” (40:30). • God has already commanded that priests must wash “so that they will not die” when they come near His presence (Exodus 30:17-21). What Moses Did • Personally obeyed the command—he washed alongside the priests. • Modeled the standard: even the leader who spoke with God face-to-face needed cleansing (Numbers 12:7-8). • Functioned as the covenant mediator, ensuring every step of God’s instructions was carried out “just as the LORD had commanded” (Exodus 40:32). • Consecrated the priests; his participation validated the ceremonial process (Exodus 29:4, 40:12-13). What Aaron (and His Sons) Did • Submitted to the ritual to qualify for ministry at altar and Tent of Meeting. • Entered God’s service only after washing—highlighting that ministry starts with purity (Leviticus 8:6). • Repeated the practice: verse 32 notes they washed every time they approached, turning a one-time consecration into a continual habit. Why the Washing Matters • Symbolized separation from sin and daily defilement (Psalm 24:3-4). • Guarded life—failure to wash meant death (Exodus 30:21). • Prepared hands and feet—the parts most active in service—to be clean for holy work. • Foreshadowed the fuller cleansing “imposed until a time of reformation” (Hebrews 9:10). Forward Glance to Christ • Jesus echoes the basin when He washes the disciples’ feet (John 13:8-10), insisting cleansing is essential for fellowship. • His blood provides the ultimate washing priests could only picture (Revelation 1:5-6). • Believers are now called “a royal priesthood” who still pursue daily cleansing through confession (1 John 1:9). Takeaway for Today • No one is exempt from God’s standard—leadership begins with personal purity. • Service flows out of cleansing; hands and feet readied for the tasks God assigns. • Continual washing points us to continual dependence on the finished work of Christ, the greater Mediator. |
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