Exodus 40:31
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 40:31
31 And Moses and Aaron and his sons washed their hands and their feet thereat:
Chapter Context
Exodus 40 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of righteousness, creation, love. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-38: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 40:31
31 And Moses and Aaron and his sons washed their hands and their feet thereat:
Analysis
Aaron and his sons washing hands and feet at the laver establishes priestly purity requirements. The hands (service) and feet (walk) symbolize conduct and character—ministry requires holiness in deed and direction. The washing's regularity ('when they went into...when they came near,' v. 32) teaches that cleansing is ongoing, not once-for-all—justification occurs once, sanctification continues. The 8th and final 'as the LORD commanded Moses' in chapter 40 completes the obedience emphasis (eight = new beginning). Believers, as priests (1 Peter 2:9), need continual cleansing (1 John 1:9).
Historical Context
The priestly washing requirement (Exodus 30:19-21) under death penalty emphasized that even consecrated priests needed repeated cleansing. The hands and feet (not the whole body) indicated that justified priests needed sanctification, not re-justification (cf. John 13:10, Jesus washing disciples' feet).
Reflection
- How does washing hands (deeds) and feet (walk) teach that holiness encompasses both conduct and character?
- What does repeated washing (not once-for-all) teach about believers' ongoing need for sanctification?