Then bring Aaron and his sonsThis phrase indicates the selection of Aaron and his sons for a special role within the Israelite community. Aaron, the brother of Moses, was chosen by God to be the first high priest, and his sons were to serve as priests. This establishes the Aaronic priesthood, which is a hereditary priesthood passed down through Aaron's lineage. The priesthood is a type of Christ, who is our High Priest according to the order of Melchizedek, as described in
Hebrews 7. The selection of Aaron and his sons underscores the importance of divine calling and ordination in spiritual leadership.
to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting
The Tent of Meeting, also known as the Tabernacle, was the portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness. It was a sacred space where God would meet with Moses and the priests. The entrance to the Tent of Meeting was a significant location, symbolizing the threshold between the common and the holy. This setting emphasizes the need for purification and preparation before entering into God's presence, reflecting the holiness required to approach God.
and wash them with water
The act of washing with water signifies purification and consecration. In the ancient Near Eastern context, washing was a common ritual for cleansing and preparing individuals for religious duties. This washing symbolizes the need for spiritual cleansing and sanctification before serving in the presence of God. It prefigures the New Testament concept of baptism, which represents the washing away of sin and the believer's identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. The washing of Aaron and his sons highlights the necessity of purity and holiness in those who minister before the Lord.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
AaronThe brother of Moses, appointed as the first high priest of Israel. His role was crucial in mediating between God and the Israelites.
2.
Aaron's SonsThey were appointed as priests to assist Aaron in the priestly duties. Their consecration was essential for the continuation of the priestly line.
3.
Tent of MeetingAlso known as the Tabernacle, it was the portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites. It served as the central place of worship and sacrifice.
4.
Washing with WaterThis act symbolized purification and consecration, preparing Aaron and his sons for their sacred duties.
5.
Consecration CeremonyThis event marked the formal setting apart of Aaron and his sons for the priesthood, involving rituals that signified holiness and dedication to God.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Purity in ServiceJust as Aaron and his sons were washed before serving, believers are called to pursue spiritual purity and holiness in their service to God.
The Role of the PriesthoodThe priesthood in the Old Testament foreshadows the priesthood of all believers in Christ, who are called to be mediators of God's grace to the world.
Symbolism of Water in ScriptureWater is a recurring symbol of cleansing and renewal, reminding believers of the need for continual spiritual renewal through the Holy Spirit.
Preparation for WorshipThe preparation of Aaron and his sons highlights the importance of preparing our hearts and minds for worship and service to God.
Christ as Our High PriestReflect on how Christ fulfills the role of the High Priest, offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice and interceding on our behalf.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Exodus 40:12?
2.How does Exodus 40:12 emphasize the importance of consecration in Christian life today?
3.What role does Aaron's consecration play in understanding New Testament priesthood?
4.How can we apply the concept of washing in Exodus 40:12 to our lives?
5.In what ways does Exodus 40:12 connect to the cleansing power of Christ's sacrifice?
6.How does the consecration process in Exodus 40:12 relate to spiritual preparation for service?
7.What is the significance of washing Aaron and his sons in Exodus 40:12?
8.How does Exodus 40:12 relate to the concept of priestly consecration?
9.Why is the ritual washing important in the context of Exodus 40:12?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 40?
11.What does "ablution" mean in the Bible?
12.How can Leviticus 8's insistence on a seven-day ordination period be reconciled with other references in the Old Testament that imply different consecration timelines?
13.What does 'ablution' mean in the Bible?
14.Exodus 40:2 - How could Moses effectively assemble such a sophisticated structure in the desert with limited resources?What Does Exodus 40:12 Mean
Then bring Aaron and his sons- “Then bring Aaron and his sons” (Exodus 40:12) signals God’s direct, chronological instruction. Nothing is left to Moses’ discretion; the priesthood begins exactly when and how the LORD commands (Exodus 28:1;Leviticus 8:2–3).
- The family line of Aaron is singled out, confirming God’s covenant choice of a hereditary priesthood (Numbers 3:3).
- This call is public and accountable, underscoring that ministry is never self-appointed but divinely assigned (Hebrews 5:4).
to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting- The priests are brought “to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting,” the very threshold of God’s earthly dwelling (Exodus 29:4;Leviticus 8:3-4).
- The entrance serves as a place of revelation and fellowship (Exodus 33:8-10). Approaching it reminds Israel that access to God requires His appointed mediator.
- Standing at the doorway, Aaron and his sons act as representatives of the nation, foreshadowing the ultimate Mediator who opens a “new and living way” (Hebrews 10:19-20).
- Their location also anchors the event in real space and time; this is not symbolism only—it happened in a literal courtyard at a literal tent.
and wash them with water- Moses “wash[es] them with water” in obedience (Leviticus 8:6;Numbers 8:7). The act is physical, removing dust and uncleanness, while also pointing to inner purification (Psalm 24:3-4).
- Water imagery runs throughout Scripture: the laver in the courtyard (Exodus 30:18-21), the red heifer rite (Numbers 19:17-19), and later, baptism (Matthew 3:13-17).
- The washing anticipates Christ, who “gave Himself up…to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word” (Ephesians 5:25-26) and who pours out “the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5).
- Yet inExodus 40 it is first a literal bath, affirming that holiness begins with concrete obedience before it illustrates deeper truth (Hebrews 10:22).
summaryExodus 40:12 records a simple, three-fold command that grounds priestly ministry in God’s timing, God’s place, and God’s cleansing. Aaron and his sons are chosen, brought to the Tent’s doorway, and washed—literally prepared to serve. The action sets a foundational pattern: God invites people, provides access, and supplies cleansing, all of which ultimately point to Jesus, our great High Priest, who perfectly fulfills each step for everyone who trusts in Him.
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Thou shalt bring Aaron and his sons . . . and wash them.--See Note on
Exodus 29:4. Ablution, investiture, and anointing had all of them been previously appointed to be parts of the consecration service (
Exodus 29:4-5;
Exodus 29:7, &c.).
Verse 12. -
Unto the door ofthe tabernacle -
i.e., to the place where the laver was situated (ver. 7).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Then bringוְהִקְרַבְתָּ֤(wə·hiq·raḇ·tā)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 7126:To come near, approachAaronאַהֲרֹן֙(’a·hă·rōn)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 175:Aaron -- an elder brother of Mosesand his sonsבָּנָ֔יו(bā·nāw)Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1121:A sontoאֶל־(’el-)Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, tothe entranceפֶּ֖תַח(pe·ṯaḥ)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6607:An opening, door, entrance wayof the Tentאֹ֣הֶל(’ō·hel)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 168:A tentof Meetingמוֹעֵ֑ד(mō·w·‘êḏ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4150:Appointed time, place, or meetingand washוְרָחַצְתָּ֥(wə·rā·ḥaṣ·tā)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 7364:To wash, wash off or away, bathethem with water.בַּמָּֽיִם׃(bam·mā·yim)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4325:Water, juice, urine, semen
Links
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OT Law: Exodus 40:12 You shall bring Aaron and his sons (Exo. Ex) 
