Exodus 40:12
Then bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and wash them with water.
Then bring Aaron and his sons

God set apart Aaron and his descendants to serve as Israel’s priests. Aaron would become the first high priest, while his sons would minister under him, establishing a priesthood that continued through his family line.

Lev 8:2 Take Aaron and his sons, their garments…
Exo 29:1 Now this is what you are to do to consecrate Aaron…

to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting

Their consecration took place before the Tabernacle, where the Lord dwelt among His people. The entrance marked the boundary between ordinary life and the holy service of God.

Exo 29:4 Then present Aaron and his sons at the entrance…
Lev 8:3 and assemble the whole congregation…

and wash them with water.

Before receiving their priestly garments and duties, Aaron and his sons were ceremonially cleansed. The washing showed that those who approached the Lord in ministry had to be purified and set apart for His service.

Lev 8:6 Then Moses presented Aaron and his sons.…
Exo 30:18-21 You are to make a bronze basin with a bronze stand…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Aaron
The 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 Sons
They 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 Meeting
Also 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 Water
This act symbolized purification and consecration, preparing Aaron and his sons for their sacred duties.

5. Consecration Ceremony
This 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 Service
Just 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 Priesthood
The 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 Scripture
Water is a recurring symbol of cleansing and renewal, reminding believers of the need for continual spiritual renewal through the Holy Spirit.

Preparation for Worship
The 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 Priest
Reflect on how Christ fulfills the role of the High Priest, offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice and interceding on our behalf.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the washing of Aaron and his sons before entering the Tent of Meeting relate to the concept of spiritual cleansing in the New Testament?

2. In what ways does the role of the Old Testament priesthood inform our understanding of the priesthood of all believers today?

3. How can we apply the principle of preparation for worship in our daily lives?

4. What are some practical ways we can pursue spiritual purity and holiness in our service to God?

5. How does understanding Christ as our High Priest enhance our appreciation of His sacrifice and intercession for us?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Leviticus 8
This chapter provides a detailed account of the consecration ceremony for Aaron and his sons, including the washing, anointing, and offering of sacrifices.

Hebrews 10
This passage discusses the role of Jesus as the ultimate High Priest, drawing parallels between the Old Testament priesthood and Christ's eternal priesthood.

John 13
Jesus washes the disciples' feet, symbolizing spiritual cleansing and service, echoing the purification theme seen in the consecration of Aaron and his sons.
The Erection of the TabernacleJ. Urquhart Exodus 40:1-33
The Tabernacle Set UpJ. Orr Exodus 40:1-33
Tabernacle ForeshadowingsW. M. Taylor, D. D.Exodus 40:1-38
The Primary and Universal Obligation to the Worship of JehovahJ. Allport.Exodus 40:1-38
The Setting Up of the Tabernacle on New Year's DayC. P. Eyre, M. A.Exodus 40:1-38
People
Aaron, Israelites, Moses
Places
Sinai
Topics
Aaron, Bathe, Bathed, Bring, Congregation, Door, Doorway, Entrance, Hast, Meeting, Opening, Sons, Tabernacle, Tent, Wash, Washing
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Exodus 40:12

     7767   priests, OT institution

Exodus 40:9-15

     7304   anointing
     8270   holiness, set apart

Exodus 40:12-13

     7478   washing

Exodus 40:12-15

     7426   ritual washing

Exodus 40:12-16

     8345   servanthood, and worship

Library
July 7. "And the Glory of the Lord Filled the Tabernacle" (Ex. Xl. 35).
"And the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle" (Ex. xl. 35). In the last chapter of Exodus we read all the Lord commanded Moses to do, and that as he fulfilled these commands the glory of the Lord descended and filled the tabernacle till there was no room for Moses, and from that time the pillar of cloud overshadowed them, their guide, their protection. And so we have been building as the Lord Himself commanded, and now the temple is to be handed over to Him to be possessed and filled. He will
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

The Copies of Things in the Heavens
'And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 2. On the first day of the first month shalt thou set up the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation. 3. And thou shalt put therein the ark of the testimony, and cover the ark with the vail. 4. And thou shalt bring in the table, and set in order the things that are to be set in order upon it; and thou shalt bring in the candlestick, and light the lamps thereof. 5. And thou shalt set the altar of gold for the incense before the ark of the testimony, and put
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Appendix viii. Rabbinic Traditions About Elijah, the Forerunner of the Messiah
To complete the evidence, presented in the text, as to the essential difference between the teaching of the ancient Synagogue about the Forerunner of the Messiah' and the history and mission of John the Baptist, as described in the New Testaments, we subjoin a full, though condensed, account of the earlier Rabbinic traditions about Elijah. Opinions differ as to the descent and birthplace of Elijah. According to some, he was from the land of Gilead (Bemid. R. 14), and of the tribe of Gad (Tanch. on
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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