Exodus 29:4
Then present Aaron and his sons at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and wash them with water.
Then you shall bring
This phrase indicates a command from God to Moses, emphasizing the importance of obedience in the consecration process. The Hebrew root for "bring" is "qarab," which means to approach or draw near. This act of bringing Aaron and his sons signifies a deliberate movement towards God, highlighting the necessity of approaching God with reverence and intentionality. In the broader scriptural context, this act of bringing is a precursor to their sanctification and service, underscoring the principle that one must first come to God before being used by Him.

Aaron and his sons
Aaron and his sons were chosen by God to serve as priests, a role of immense responsibility and honor. The mention of Aaron and his sons signifies the establishment of the Levitical priesthood, which is central to Israel's worship and sacrificial system. Historically, Aaron, as the first high priest, and his sons represent the beginning of a lineage that would mediate between God and the people. This highlights the importance of family and generational faithfulness in God's plan, as well as the concept of spiritual inheritance.

to the entrance of the Tent of Meeting
The "Tent of Meeting," also known as the Tabernacle, was the sacred place where God met with His people. The entrance signifies a threshold, a place of transition from the common to the holy. In the Hebrew context, the Tabernacle was the center of Israelite worship and the presence of God among His people. Bringing Aaron and his sons to the entrance symbolizes their readiness to enter into God's presence and serve Him. It is a reminder of the holiness required to approach God and the privilege of being called into His service.

and wash them with water
Washing with water is a symbolic act of purification and cleansing. The Hebrew word for "wash" is "rachats," which implies a thorough cleansing. This ritual washing signifies the removal of impurity and the preparation for holy service. In the broader biblical narrative, water often symbolizes purification and renewal, pointing to the necessity of spiritual cleansing before approaching God. This act foreshadows the New Testament concept of baptism, where believers are cleansed and set apart for God's purposes. It serves as a powerful reminder of the need for purity and holiness in the life of a believer.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Aaron
The brother of Moses, appointed as the first high priest of Israel. His role was crucial in mediating between God and the Israelites.

2. Aaron's Sons
They were appointed as priests to assist Aaron in his duties and to continue the priestly lineage.

3. Tent of Meeting
Also known as the Tabernacle, it was the portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness.

4. Washing with Water
A ceremonial act symbolizing purification and preparation for service to God.

5. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, who was commanded by God to consecrate Aaron and his sons for their priestly duties.
Teaching Points
Purification Before Service
The washing of Aaron and his sons signifies the need for spiritual and moral purity before serving God. This principle applies to all believers, emphasizing the importance of repentance and sanctification.

Symbolism of Water
Water is a powerful symbol of cleansing and renewal throughout the Bible. It represents the washing away of sin and the preparation for a new life in Christ.

Role of Leadership in Holiness
Aaron and his sons, as leaders, were required to be ceremonially clean. This underscores the responsibility of spiritual leaders to maintain a high standard of holiness and integrity.

God's Presence and Holiness
The act of washing at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting highlights the holiness required to enter God's presence. It reminds us of the reverence and preparation needed to approach God.

Continuity of God's Plan
The consecration of Aaron and his sons is part of God's unfolding plan for His people, pointing forward to the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who provides the perfect cleansing.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the concept of purification in Exodus 29:4 relate to our daily walk with God today?

2. In what ways can we prepare ourselves spiritually before serving in our local church or community?

3. How does the washing of Aaron and his sons at the Tent of Meeting connect to the New Testament teachings on spiritual cleansing?

4. What responsibilities do spiritual leaders have in maintaining purity and holiness, and how can we support them in this?

5. How does understanding the role of water in biblical purification rituals enhance our appreciation of baptism and its significance in the Christian faith?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Leviticus 8:6
This verse describes the fulfillment of the command in Exodus 29:4, where Moses actually washes Aaron and his sons, emphasizing the importance of purification before serving God.

John 13:10
Jesus washes the disciples' feet, symbolizing spiritual cleansing, which connects to the idea of purification before service.

Hebrews 10:22
This verse speaks of drawing near to God with a sincere heart and having our bodies washed with pure water, linking the Old Testament purification rituals to the New Testament understanding of spiritual cleansing.
The Rites of Consecration for the PriesthoodJ. Orr Exodus 29:1-33
The Consecration of PriestsSpurgeon, Charles HaddonExodus 29:1-37
People
Aaron, Ephah, Israelites, Moses
Places
Egypt, Mount Sinai
Topics
Aaron, Bathe, Bathed, Bring, Congregation, Door, Doorway, Entrance, Hast, Meeting, Opening, Sons, Tabernacle, Tent, Wash, Washed
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Exodus 29:4

     7478   washing
     7767   priests, OT institution

Exodus 29:1-9

     1680   types
     7422   ritual

Exodus 29:1-34

     4681   ram

Exodus 29:2-4

     4530   unleavened bread

Library
The Copies of Things in the Heavens
'And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 2. On the first day of the first month shalt thou set up the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation. 3. And thou shalt put therein the ark of the testimony, and cover the ark with the vail. 4. And thou shalt bring in the table, and set in order the things that are to be set in order upon it; and thou shalt bring in the candlestick, and light the lamps thereof. 5. And thou shalt set the altar of gold for the incense before the ark of the testimony, and put
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Eighth Day. Holiness and Indwelling.
And let them make me a holy place, that I may dwell among them.'--Ex. xxv. 8. 'And the tent shall be sanctified by my glory, and I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will be their God.'--Ex. xxix. 43, 45. The Presence of God makes holy, even when it descends but for a little while, as at Horeb, in the burning bush. How much more must that Presence make holy the place where it dwells, where it fixes its permanent abode! So much is this the case, that the place where God dwells
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

Thirtieth Day. The Unction from the Holy One.
And ye have an anointing from the Holy One, and ye know all things. And as for you, the anointing which ye received of Him abideth in you, and ye need not that any one teach you; but as His anointing teacheth you concerning all things, and is true, and is no lie, and even as it taught you, ye abide in Him.'--1 John ii. 20, 27. In the revelation by Moses of God's Holiness and His way of making holy, the priests, and specially the high priests, were the chief expression of God's Holiness in man.
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

Sixth Day. Holiness and Glory.
Who is like unto Thee, O Lord! among the gods? Who is like unto Thee, glorious in holiness, Fearful in praises, doing wonders? Thou in Thy mercy hast led Thy people which Thou hast redeemed: Thou hast guided them in Thy strength to the habitation of Thy holiness ... The holy place, O Lord, which Thy hands have established.' --Ex. xv. 11-17. In these words we have another step in advance in the revelation of Holiness. We have here for the first time Holiness predicated of God Himself. He
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

That the Ruler Should be Always Chief in Action.
The ruler should always be chief in action, that by his living he may point out the way of life to those that are put under him, and that the flock, which follows the voice and manners of the shepherd, may learn how to walk better through example than through words. For he who is required by the necessity of his position to speak the highest things is compelled by the same necessity to exhibit the highest things. For that voice more readily penetrates the hearer's heart, which the speaker's life
Leo the Great—Writings of Leo the Great

Twenty-Fourth Day. Holiness and Cleansing.
Having therefore these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.'--2 Cor. vii. 1. That holiness is more than cleansing, and must be preceded by it, is taught us in more than one passage of the New Testament. 'Christ loved the Church, and gave Himself up for it, that He might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the washing of water with the word.' 'If a man cleanse himself from these, he shall be a vessel
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

Thirtieth Lesson. An Holy Priesthood;'
An holy priesthood;' Or, The Ministry of Intercession. An holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.'--I Peter ii. 5. Ye shall be named the Priests of the Lord.'--Isaiah lxi. 6. THE Spirit of the Lord God is upon me: because the Lord hath anointed me.' These are the words of Jesus in Isaiah. As the fruit of His work all redeemed ones are priests, fellow-partakers with Him of His anointing with the Spirit as High Priest. Like the precious ointment upon
Andrew Murray—With Christ in the School of Prayer

Man's Inability to Keep the Moral Law
Is any man able perfectly to keep the commandments of God? No mere man, since the fall, is able in this life perfectly to keep the commandments of God, but does daily break them, in thought, word, and deed. In many things we offend all.' James 3: 2. Man in his primitive state of innocence, was endowed with ability to keep the whole moral law. He had rectitude of mind, sanctity of will, and perfection of power. He had the copy of God's law written on his heart; no sooner did God command but he obeyed.
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

John's First Testimony to Jesus.
(Bethany Beyond Jordan, February, a.d. 27.) ^D John I. 19-34. ^d 19 And this is the witness of John [John had been sent to testify, "and" this is the matter of his testimony], when the Jews [The term "Jews" is used seventy times by John to describe the ruling classes of Judæa] sent unto him [In thus sending an embassy they honored John more than they ever honored Christ. They looked upon John as a priest and Judæan, but upon Jesus as a carpenter and Galilæan. It is probable that
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Covenant of Works
Q-12: I proceed to the next question, WHAT SPECIAL ACT OF PROVIDENCE DID GOD EXERCISE TOWARDS MAN IN THE ESTATE WHEREIN HE WAS CREATED? A: When God had created man, he entered into a covenant of life with him upon condition of perfect obedience, forbidding him to eat of the tree of knowledge upon pain of death. For this, consult with Gen 2:16, 17: And the Lord commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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