Exodus 40:12
And thou shalt bring Aaron and his sons unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and wash them with water.
Original Language Analysis
וְהִקְרַבְתָּ֤
And thou shalt bring
H7126
וְהִקְרַבְתָּ֤
And thou shalt bring
Strong's:
H7126
Word #:
1 of 12
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
אֶֽת
H853
אֶֽת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 12
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בָּנָ֔יו
and his sons
H1121
בָּנָ֔יו
and his sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
5 of 12
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
פֶּ֖תַח
unto the door
H6607
פֶּ֖תַח
unto the door
Strong's:
H6607
Word #:
7 of 12
an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way
אֹ֣הֶל
of the tabernacle
H168
אֹ֣הֶל
of the tabernacle
Strong's:
H168
Word #:
8 of 12
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
מוֹעֵ֑ד
of the congregation
H4150
מוֹעֵ֑ד
of the congregation
Strong's:
H4150
Word #:
9 of 12
properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for
Historical Context
The priests' washing at the tabernacle door occurred before the assembled congregation, ensuring communal witness to their consecration. This transparency prevented private, secret ordinations and emphasized that spiritual leadership requires public accountability and verification.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does God require public priestly consecration rather than private appointment?
- How does Christ's public baptism before ministry mirror the priests' washing at the tabernacle door?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Bringing Aaron and his sons 'to the door of the tabernacle' for washing precedes their anointing and consecration (v. 13-15). The public setting ('door,' פֶּתַח, petach) teaches that priestly consecration, though personal, has corporate witness—the community must recognize set-apart leadership. The washing symbolizes cleansing from sin; the location (tabernacle entrance, not private tent) emphasizes transparent qualification. Christ's public baptism (Matthew 3:13-17) demonstrated similar transparent consecration before His public ministry.