Topical Encyclopedia In the cultural and religious practices of ancient Israel, water held significant importance, particularly in the context of purification and ritual washing. The use of water for washing the person is deeply rooted in the Jewish tradition, as outlined in various passages of the Old Testament. These practices were not merely for physical cleanliness but were often symbolic of spiritual purification and obedience to God's commandments.Ritual Purification The Mosaic Law prescribed specific instances where washing with water was required for ritual purification. In Leviticus 15, detailed instructions are given regarding bodily discharges, where both the affected individual and any person or object that comes into contact with them must be washed with water. Leviticus 15:13 states, "When the man with the discharge is cleansed of his discharge, he must count off seven days for his cleansing, wash his clothes, and bathe his body in fresh water; then he will be clean." Similarly, in Numbers 19, the law concerning the purification from contact with a dead body is outlined. Numbers 19:19 instructs, "The man who is clean is to sprinkle the unclean one on the third and seventh days. After he purifies the unclean person on the seventh day, the one being cleansed must wash his clothes and bathe in water, and he will be clean by evening." Priestly Washings The priests, who served in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple, were required to perform specific washings as part of their consecration and daily duties. Exodus 30:18-21 describes the bronze basin placed between the Tent of Meeting and the altar, filled with water for Aaron and his sons to wash their hands and feet before entering the Tent of Meeting or approaching the altar. This act was a perpetual statute, emphasizing the necessity of purity in the service of God. Symbolism and Spiritual Significance The use of water for washing in Jewish tradition also carried a deeper spiritual significance. It symbolized the cleansing of sin and impurity, a theme echoed throughout the Scriptures. Psalm 51:2 reflects this spiritual cleansing, as David pleads, "Wash me clean of my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin." The prophetic writings further illustrate the symbolic use of water for purification. Ezekiel 36:25 promises a future cleansing, "I will also sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and all your idols." Cultural Practices Beyond the prescribed rituals, washing with water was a common cultural practice among the Jews for maintaining personal hygiene and social propriety. In the New Testament, the practice of washing before meals is noted, as seen in Mark 7:3-4 , where the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands, holding to the tradition of the elders. Conclusion The use of water for washing the person in Jewish tradition is a multifaceted practice that encompasses ritual, cultural, and spiritual dimensions. It reflects a deep-seated understanding of purity and holiness, integral to the Jewish faith and life. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 18:4Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree: Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 24:32 Library The Morning-Meal in the Pharisee's House - Meals and Feasts among ... The Cavils of the Pharisees Concerning Purification, and the ... The Necessity of Regeneration, Argued from the Immutable ... Concerning Baptism. The Last Supper. P??dobaptism. Its Accordance with the Institution of Christ, and ... Index. Differences in Judgment About Water Baptism, no Bar to Communion ... Identity of Christ's Character. Corinth Resources What is the water of life? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of bitter water in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to be born of water? | GotQuestions.org Water: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Water in Times of Scarcity, Sold at an Enormous Price Water of Bitterness or of Jealousy Water of Separation or of Uncleanness Water of the Gifts and Graces of the Holy Spirit Water was Used by Jews for Culinary Purposes Water was Used by Jews for Legal Purification Water was Used by Jews for Washing the Person Water was Used by Jews: As Their Principal Beverage Water: (Covering the Sea) of the General Diffusion of The Water: (Deep) of Counsel in the Heart Water: (Deep) of Severe Affliction Water: (Deep) of the Words of the Wise Water: (Difficulty of Stopping) of Strife and Contention Water: (Its Instability) of a Wavering Disposition Water: (Its Weakness) of Faintness and Cowardice Water: (Many) of a Variety of Afflictions Water: (Many) of Different Nations and People Water: (Noise of Many) of the Word of Christ Water: (Poured Out) Faintness by Terror Water: (Poured Out) the Wrath of God Water: (Pouring, out of Buckets) a Numerous Progeny Water: (Rapidly Flowing Away) the Career of the Wicked Water: (Spilled on the Ground) Death Water: (Still) the Ordinances of the Gospel Water: Artificial Mode of Conveying, Into Large Cities Water: Collected in The Clouds Water: Covered the Whole Earth Water: Drops from the Clouds in Rain Water: Frequently Brackish and Unfit for Use Water: God Originally: Collected Into One Place Water: God Originally: Created Fowls and Fishes From Water: God Originally: Created the Firmament to Divide Water: Kept for Purification in Large Waterpots Water: Miracles Connected With: Brought from the Jaw-Bone of an Ass Water: Miracles Connected With: Brought from the Rock Water: Miracles Connected With: Consumed by Fire from Heaven Water: Miracles Connected With: Divided and Made to Stand on Heap Water: Miracles Connected With: Healing Powers Communicated To Water: Miracles Connected With: Iron Made to Swim In Water: Miracles Connected With: Our Lord Walking On Water: Miracles Connected With: Trenches Filled With Water: Miracles Connected With: Turned Into Blood Water: Miracles Connected With: Turned Into Wine Water: Miraculously Supplied: To Jehoshaphat's Army Water: Miraculously Supplied: To Samson Water: Miraculously Supplied: To the Israelites Water: Necessary to the Comfort and Happiness of Man Water: Necessary to Vegetation Water: One of the Elements of the World Water: Rises in Vapour to the Clouds Water: some Plants Particularly Require Water: The Want of, Considered a Great Calamity Water: The World and Its Inhabitants Once Destroyed By Water: The World not to be Again Destroyed By Water: Wearing the Hardest Substances Related Terms Water-springs (12 Occurrences) |
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