Thus they are to wash their hands and feet so that they will not die; this shall be a permanent statute for Aaron and his descendants for the generations to come." Thus they are to washThe act of washing in this context is deeply symbolic, representing purification and preparation for service to God. The Hebrew root for "wash" is "רָחַץ" (rachatz), which implies a thorough cleansing. This ritual washing was not merely about physical cleanliness but was a spiritual act of sanctification, setting the priests apart for their holy duties. In the broader biblical narrative, washing is often associated with repentance and renewal, pointing to the need for inner purity before approaching God. their hands and feet
The specific mention of hands and feet highlights the importance of purity in both actions and walk. Hands symbolize the work and deeds of a person, while feet represent one's path and conduct. By washing these parts, the priests were reminded that their service and daily walk must be consecrated to God. This practice underscores the biblical principle that holiness affects every aspect of life, not just the spiritual or ceremonial. so that they will not die
This phrase underscores the seriousness of approaching God with reverence and purity. The consequence of neglecting this command was death, illustrating the holiness of God and the gravity of sin. In the Old Testament, the presence of God was a consuming fire, and only those who were ceremonially clean could safely enter His presence. This serves as a sobering reminder of the need for atonement and the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who enables believers to approach God with confidence. this shall be a permanent statute
The term "permanent statute" indicates that this command was not temporary or situational but was to be observed continually. The Hebrew word "חֻקָּה" (chuqqah) suggests an ordinance or decree that is established by divine authority. This reflects the unchanging nature of God's standards and the perpetual need for holiness among His people. It also points to the enduring nature of God's covenant with Israel and, by extension, the eternal principles that govern the relationship between God and His people. for Aaron and his descendants
Aaron, as the first high priest, and his descendants were set apart for the priestly service. This lineage was chosen by God to mediate between Him and the people of Israel. The emphasis on Aaron and his descendants highlights the importance of generational faithfulness and the transmission of spiritual responsibilities. It also foreshadows the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who fulfills and surpasses the Aaronic priesthood. for the generations to come
This phrase emphasizes the continuity of God's commands across time. The Hebrew concept of "דּוֹר" (dor), meaning generation, reflects the ongoing nature of God's covenantal relationship with His people. It serves as a reminder that the principles of holiness, service, and obedience are not confined to a single era but are relevant for all believers throughout history. This continuity points to the timeless nature of God's word and His unchanging expectations for His people. Persons / Places / Events 1. AaronThe first high priest of Israel, brother of Moses, and a key figure in the establishment of the priestly order. 2. Aaron's DescendantsThe Levitical priesthood, responsible for performing sacred duties in the Tabernacle and later the Temple. 3. The TabernacleThe portable sanctuary where God dwelled among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness. 4. The Bronze BasinA large basin used for ceremonial washing, placed between the Tent of Meeting and the altar. 5. The Washing RitualA divinely instituted practice for priests to cleanse themselves before performing their duties, symbolizing purity and obedience. Teaching Points The Importance of PurityThe washing ritual underscores the necessity of purity and holiness in approaching God. As believers, we are called to live lives that reflect God's holiness. Symbolism of CleansingThe physical act of washing symbolizes the spiritual cleansing we receive through Christ. It reminds us of the need for continual repentance and renewal. Obedience to God's CommandsThe washing was a command from God, highlighting the importance of obedience in our walk with Him. We are to follow God's instructions faithfully. Priestly Role of BelieversAs a royal priesthood, believers are called to serve God and others, maintaining spiritual cleanliness through the Word and prayer. Eternal StatutesThe permanence of this statute for Aaron's descendants points to the eternal nature of God's principles, which find their ultimate fulfillment in Christ. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the washing ritual in Exodus 30:21 reflect the broader theme of purity in the Bible? 2. In what ways does the washing of hands and feet before entering the Tabernacle relate to our spiritual preparation for worship today? 3. How does Jesus' act of washing the disciples' feet in John 13 connect to the priestly washing in Exodus 30:21? 4. What does it mean for believers to be a "royal priesthood" in the context of maintaining spiritual purity and obedience? 5. How can we apply the principle of obedience to God's commands in our daily lives, as seen in the washing ritual of the priests? Connections to Other Scriptures Leviticus 16Describes the Day of Atonement, where the high priest must cleanse himself before entering the Holy of Holies, emphasizing the importance of purity. John 13Jesus washes the disciples' feet, symbolizing spiritual cleansing and humility, echoing the priestly washing. Hebrews 10Discusses the new covenant and how Christ's sacrifice purifies believers, fulfilling the symbolic cleansing of the Old Testament rituals. Psalm 24Highlights the need for clean hands and a pure heart to stand in God's holy place, reflecting the spiritual significance of the washing ritual. 1 Peter 2Believers are described as a royal priesthood, called to live holy lives, drawing a parallel to the priestly duties of Aaron's descendants. People Aaron, Israelites, MosesPlaces Mount SinaiTopics Aaron, Age-during, Death, Descendants, Die, Everlasting, Forever, Generation, Generations, Hands, Lasting, Lest, Order, Ordinance, Perpetual, Safe, Seed, Statute, Throughout, Wash, WashedDictionary of Bible Themes Exodus 30:21 7404 ordinances Exodus 30:17-21 4293 water
7478 washing Exodus 30:18-21 7342 cleanliness Exodus 30:19-21 5151 feet Library The Altar of Incense
'Thou shalt make an altar to burn incense upon.' --EXODUS xxx. 1. Ceremonies are embodied thoughts. Religious ceremonies are moulded by, and seek to express, the worshipper's conception of his God, and his own relation to Him; his aspirations and his need. Of late years scholars have been busy studying the religions of the more backward races, and explaining rude and repulsive rites by pointing to the often profound and sometimes beautiful ideas underlying them. When that process is applied to Australian …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureRansom for Souls --I.
Then shall they give every man a ransom for his soul.' --EXODUS xxx. 12. This remarkable provision had a religious intention. Connect it with the tax-money which Peter found in the fish's mouth. I. Its meaning. Try to realise an Israelite's thoughts at the census. 'I am enrolled among the people and army of God: am I worthy? What am I, to serve so holy a God?' The payment was meant-- (a) To excite the sense of sin. This should be present in all approach to God, in all service; accompanying the …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Ransom for Souls --ii.
'The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less than half a shekel....'--EXODUS xxx. 15. This tax was exacted on numbering the people. It was a very small amount, about fifteen pence, so it was clearly symbolical in its significance. Notice-- I. The broad principle of equality of all souls in the sight of God. Contrast the reign of caste and class in heathendom with the democracy of Judaism and of Christianity. II. The universal sinfulness. Payment of the tax was a confession that …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture "Whereby we Cry, Abba, Father. "
Rom. viii. 15.--"Whereby we cry, Abba, Father." As there is a light of grace in bestowing such incomparably high dignities and excellent gifts on poor sinners, such as, to make them the sons of God who were the children of the devil, and heirs of a kingdom who were heirs of wrath; so there is a depth of wisdom in the Lord's allowance and manner of dispensing his love and grace in this life. For though the love be wonderful, that we should be called the sons of God; yet, as that apostle speaks, …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning Jesus Pays the Tribute Money.
(Capernaum, Autumn, a.d. 29) ^A Matt. XVII. 24-27. ^a 24 And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received the half-shekel came to Peter, and said, Doth not your teacher pay the half-shekel? [The law of Moses required from every male of twenty years and upward the payment of a tax of half a shekel for the support of the temple (Ex. xxx. 12-16; II. Chron. xxiv. 5, 6). This tax was collected annually. We are told that a dispute existed between the Pharisees and Sadducees as to whether the payment …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel How a Private Man must Begin the Morning with Piety.
As soon as ever thou awakest in the morning, keep the door of thy heart fast shut, that no earthly thought may enter, before that God come in first; and let him, before all others, have the first place there. So all evil thoughts either will not dare to come in, or shall the easier be kept out; and the heart will more savour of piety and godliness all the day after; but if thy heart be not, at thy first waking, filled with some meditations of God and his word, and dressed, like the lamp in the tabernacle …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety 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 Jesus Attends the First Passover of his Ministry.
(Jerusalem, April 9, a.d. 27.) Subdivision A. Jesus Cleanses the Temple. ^D John II. 13-25. ^d 13 And the passover of the Jews was at hand [We get our information as to the length of our Lord's ministry from John's Gospel. He groups his narrative around six Jewish festivals: 1, He here mentions the first passover; 2, another feast, which we take to have been also a passover (v. 1); 3, another passover (vi. 4); 4, the feast of tabernacles (vii. 2); 5, dedication (x. 22); 6, passover (xi. 55). This …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Annunciation to Zacharias of the Birth of John the Baptist.
(at Jerusalem. Probably b.c. 6.) ^C Luke I. 5-25. ^c 5 There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judæa [a Jewish proselyte, an Idumæan or Edomite by birth, founder of the Herodian family, king of Judæa from b.c. 40 to a.d. 4, made such by the Roman Senate on the recommendation of Mark Antony and Octavius Cæsar], a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course [David divided the priests into twenty-four bodies or courses, each course serving in rotation one week in the temple …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Last Events in Galilee - the Tribute-Money, the Dispute by the Way, the Forbidding of Him who could not Follow with the Disciples, and The
Now that the Lord's retreat in the utmost borders of the land, at Cæsarea Philippi, was known to the Scribes, and that He was again surrounded and followed by the multitude, there could be no further object in His retirement. Indeed, the time was coming that He should meet that for which He had been, and was still, preparing the minds of His disciples - His Decease at Jerusalem. Accordingly, we find Him once more with His disciples in Galilee - not to abide there, [3743] nor to traverse it …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Epistle xxviii. To Augustine, Bishop of the Angli .
To Augustine, Bishop of the Angli [136] . Gregory to Augustine, &c. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men of good will (Luke ii. 14); because a grain of wheat, falling into the earth, has died, that it might not reign in heaven alone; even He by whose death we live, by whose weakness we are made strong, by whose suffering we are rescued from suffering, through whose love we seek in Britain for brethren whom we knew not, by whose gift we find those whom without knowing them we sought. …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great Prayer
But I give myself unto prayer.' Psa 109: 4. I shall not here expatiate upon prayer, as it will be considered more fully in the Lord's prayer. It is one thing to pray, and another thing to be given to prayer: he who prays frequently, is said to be given to prayer; as he who often distributes alms, is said to be given to charity. Prayer is a glorious ordinance, it is the soul's trading with heaven. God comes down to us by his Spirit, and we go up to him by prayer. What is prayer? It is an offering …
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments 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 Links Exodus 30:21 NIVExodus 30:21 NLTExodus 30:21 ESVExodus 30:21 NASBExodus 30:21 KJV
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