Exodus 40:32
When they went into the tent of the congregation, and when they came near unto the altar, they washed; as the LORD commanded Moses.
Original Language Analysis
בְּבֹאָ֞ם
When they went
H935
בְּבֹאָ֞ם
When they went
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
1 of 13
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
מוֹעֵ֗ד
of the congregation
H4150
מוֹעֵ֗ד
of the congregation
Strong's:
H4150
Word #:
4 of 13
properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for
וּבְקָרְבָתָ֛ם
and when they came near
H7126
וּבְקָרְבָתָ֛ם
and when they came near
Strong's:
H7126
Word #:
5 of 13
to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
9 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יְהוָ֖ה
as the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
as the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
11 of 13
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Historical Context
The washing's requirement at both entering the tent and approaching the altar meant priests washed multiple times daily during active service. This frequent cleansing emphasized that even consecrated ministers repeatedly contract spiritual defilement requiring renewal—holiness is maintained, not merely attained.
Questions for Reflection
- How does washing before service teach that ministry requires spiritual preparation, not casual approach?
- What does Christ washing disciples' feet reveal about His ongoing sanctifying work in justified believers?
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Analysis & Commentary
Aaron and sons washing 'when they went into the tent...when they came near' teaches that service requires preparation. The Hebrew בְּבֹאָם (bevo'am, when they enter) and בְּקָרְבָתָם (beqorvat am, when they draw near) indicate movement toward sacred space demands cleansing. This prefigures New Testament calls to 'draw near' with cleansed hearts (Hebrews 10:22; James 4:8). The washing's repetition (not one-time) teaches ongoing sanctification. Christ's washing disciples' feet (John 13:4-10) illustrated this—justified saints need daily cleansing from sin's defilement.