with which Aaron and his sonsThis phrase refers to the priestly lineage of Aaron, the brother of Moses, who was appointed as the first high priest of Israel. His sons were also designated to serve as priests. This establishes the hereditary nature of the priesthood in ancient Israel, as outlined in
Exodus 28 and 29. The priesthood was a sacred office, and Aaron and his sons were set apart for service in the tabernacle, which was the dwelling place of God among His people. This lineage is significant as it foreshadows the eternal priesthood of Jesus Christ, who is described in the New Testament as a high priest in the order of Melchizedek (
Hebrews 5:6).
are to wash their hands and feet
The act of washing hands and feet was a ritual of purification necessary for the priests before they performed their duties in the tabernacle. This washing took place at the bronze basin, which was located in the courtyard of the tabernacle. The washing symbolized the need for purity and holiness when approaching God, emphasizing the importance of being clean from sin and defilement. This ritual underscores the broader biblical theme of cleansing and sanctification, which is fulfilled in the New Testament through the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ (1John 1:7). The washing also has practical implications, as it ensured that the priests were physically clean before handling sacred objects and performing sacrifices.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
AaronThe brother of Moses and the first high priest of Israel. He was chosen by God to serve in the tabernacle and later in the temple.
2.
Aaron's SonsThe descendants of Aaron who were also appointed as priests to serve in the tabernacle, assisting in the rituals and sacrifices.
3.
The TabernacleThe portable dwelling place for the divine presence of God among the Israelites, where the priests performed their duties.
4.
The Bronze BasinA large basin made of bronze, placed in the tabernacle courtyard, used by the priests for ceremonial washing.
5.
Ceremonial WashingA ritual act of purification that the priests were required to perform before entering the tent of meeting or approaching the altar.
Teaching Points
The Importance of PurityThe washing of hands and feet symbolizes the need for purity and holiness in approaching God. As believers, we are called to live lives that reflect God's holiness.
Preparation for ServiceJust as the priests prepared themselves through washing, we must prepare our hearts and minds for service to God, ensuring we are spiritually ready to fulfill our callings.
Symbolism of CleansingThe act of washing in the Old Testament points to the deeper spiritual cleansing that comes through Christ. We are reminded of the need for continual spiritual renewal.
Humility in ServiceThe priests' act of washing was a humble acknowledgment of their need for God's cleansing. In our service, we must remain humble, recognizing our dependence on God's grace.
The Role of RitualsWhile rituals like washing were important in the Old Testament, they point to the greater reality of inner transformation and the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Exodus 30:19?
2.How does Exodus 30:19 emphasize the importance of purity in worship practices?
3.What role does washing play in maintaining holiness according to Exodus 30:19?
4.How can we apply the principle of cleansing in our daily spiritual lives?
5.What New Testament connections exist regarding spiritual cleansing and purity?
6.How does the act of washing hands and feet symbolize spiritual preparation today?
7.Why did God command Aaron and his sons to wash their hands and feet in Exodus 30:19?
8.How does the ritual washing in Exodus 30:19 relate to spiritual purity?
9.What is the significance of the bronze basin mentioned in Exodus 30:19?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 30?
11.What does the Bible say about hygiene and vanity?
12.Why does Jesus openly criticize ritual hand-washing (Mark 7:1–13) if it has clear roots in Old Testament law?
13.What was the purpose of the bronze laver?
14.What was the laver's purpose in the tabernacle?What Does Exodus 30:19 Mean
with which“Put water in it with which Aaron and his sons are to wash their hands and feet” (Exodus 30:18-19). The simple phrase “with which” points us back to the bronze basin and its water.
•Exodus 30:18 shows God Himself providing the means of cleansing.
•Titus 3:5 reminds us that salvation, too, comes “not by works… but by the washing of rebirth.”
The basin’s water is the God-given provision; the priests bring nothing of their own. Its location “between the tent of meeting and the altar” (v. 18) underscores that cleansing stands between fellowship with God and sacrificial service.
Aaron and his sonsThe command is directed to the high priest and every priest who will follow him (Exodus 28:1).
• Their exclusive role foreshadows Christ our ultimate High Priest (Hebrews 7:26-27).
• Yet1 Peter 2:9 shows how believers now share a priestly calling.
The passage reminds us that anyone who approaches God in service must first be cleansed by Him.
are to washThe verb is continual; verses 20-21 require washing “whenever they enter” and “lest they die.”
• Daily, repeated washing pictures ongoing need for purity (Psalm 51:2).
• InJohn 13:10 Jesus tells Peter, “He who has bathed needs only to wash his feet,” linking the basin ritual to the believer’s continual confession and cleansing (1 John 1:9).
God’s holiness never relaxes; continual washing keeps the servants mindful of that holiness.
their handsHands symbolize work and ministry.
•Psalm 24:3-4 insists that “He who has clean hands… may stand in His holy place.”
•Ecclesiastes 9:10 urges, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might,” but only clean hands can serve acceptably.
The priests must ensure that everything they touch in God’s house is touched with purity.
and feetFeet speak of one’s walk and direction.
•Proverbs 4:26 counsels, “Make level paths for your feet,” whileEphesians 5:15 says, “Walk circumspectly.”
•Isaiah 52:7 celebrates the “beautiful… feet” of the one who brings good news, again tying purity to ministry.
The washing of feet prefigures Christ washing the disciples’ feet (John 13:5), teaching that even our daily steps need constant cleansing.
summaryExodus 30:19 teaches that God provides the means, mandates the participants, demands continual cleansing, and targets both deeds (hands) and walk (feet). The verse calls every servant of God to approach Him only after receiving His cleansing, to serve with pure actions, and to walk in holiness daily.
(19)
Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet.--Washing the hands symbolised purity in act; washing the feet, holiness in all their walk and conversation.
Verse 19Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet. Ablution by clear fresh water is so plain and simple a type of purity as to have been used in almost all religions. The hands and the feet would designate symbolically all a man's active doings, and even his whole walk in life - his "goings out" and his "comings in," in the phraseology of the Hebrews. There would also be a special practical need for such ablutions in the case of persons who were employed about bloody sacrifices, who slew the victims, sprinkled, the blood, and even dashed it against the base of the altar. On some rare occasions the priests were required to bathe their whole persons, and not their hands and feet only (see above, ch. 29:4; and below,
Leviticus 16:4).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
with whichמִמֶּ֑נּוּ(mim·men·nū)Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4480:A part of, from, out ofAaronאַהֲרֹ֥ן(’a·hă·rōn)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 175:Aaron -- an elder brother of Mosesand his sonsוּבָנָ֖יו(ū·ḇā·nāw)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1121:A sonare to washוְרָחֲצ֛וּ(wə·rā·ḥă·ṣū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 7364:To wash, wash off or away, bathetheir handsיְדֵיהֶ֖ם(yə·ḏê·hem)Noun - fdc | third person masculine plural
Strong's 3027:A handand feet.רַגְלֵיהֶֽם׃(raḡ·lê·hem)Noun - fdc | third person masculine plural
Strong's 7272:A foot, a step, the pudenda
Links
Exodus 30:19 NIVExodus 30:19 NLTExodus 30:19 ESVExodus 30:19 NASBExodus 30:19 KJV
Exodus 30:19 BibleApps.comExodus 30:19 Biblia ParalelaExodus 30:19 Chinese BibleExodus 30:19 French BibleExodus 30:19 Catholic Bible
OT Law: Exodus 30:19 Aaron and his sons shall wash their (Exo. Ex) 
