Then Moses presented Aaron and his sons
Moses, as the leader and prophet of Israel, acts under God's command to consecrate Aaron and his sons for the priesthood. This presentation signifies the beginning of their official service in the tabernacle. The act of presenting them highlights the importance of divine appointment and the need for a mediator between God and the people. Aaron and his sons represent the Levitical priesthood, which is a type of Christ, our ultimate High Priest, as seen in Hebrews 4:14-16. The priesthood is established to maintain the covenant relationship between God and Israel, emphasizing the need for holiness and obedience.

and washed them with water.
The washing with water is a ceremonial act of purification, symbolizing the need for cleanliness and holiness before serving in the presence of God. This act foreshadows the New Testament concept of baptism, which signifies spiritual cleansing and rebirth (Acts 22:16). In the ancient Near Eastern context, washing was a common ritual for priests before performing sacred duties, underscoring the importance of purity. This cleansing is a precursor to the sanctification process that believers undergo through Christ, who cleanses us from sin (Ephesians 5:26-27). The use of water in this context also connects to the broader biblical theme of water as a symbol of life and purification, as seen in the waters of the Red Sea and the Jordan River.

1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to deliver His people from Egypt and to mediate the covenant at Sinai. In this context, Moses acts as the officiant of the consecration ceremony for the priests.

2. Aaron
The brother of Moses, appointed as the first high priest of Israel. His role is central to the establishment of the priesthood and the sacrificial system.

3. Aaron's Sons
They are Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, who are also consecrated as priests to serve in the tabernacle.

4. The Tabernacle
The portable sanctuary where God dwelled among the Israelites. It is the setting for the consecration ceremony.

5. Consecration Ceremony
A significant event where Aaron and his sons are set apart for priestly service, symbolizing purification and dedication to God.The Importance of Purification
The washing of Aaron and his sons signifies the need for spiritual cleansing before serving God. This reminds us of the importance of purity in our own lives as we serve Him.

Symbolism of Water
Water is a powerful symbol of cleansing and renewal throughout Scripture. As believers, we are called to be washed by the Word and the Spirit, continually renewing our minds and hearts.

Role of Leadership in Spiritual Preparation
Moses' role in preparing Aaron and his sons highlights the responsibility of spiritual leaders to guide and prepare others for service. This calls us to support and pray for our leaders as they fulfill their God-given roles.

Priesthood of All Believers
While Aaron and his sons were set apart for priestly duties, the New Testament teaches that all believers are part of a royal priesthood. We are called to live lives of holiness and service, representing God to the world.(6) And washed them with water.--As the first initiatory rite of the consecration, Moses caused Aaron and his sons to bathe (see Leviticus 16:4), thus symbolising their purification from sin. Where the phrase "to wash with water" is used without specifying any particular part or parts of the body, as in Genesis 19:2; Genesis 24:32, Exodus 30:19; Exodus 30:21, Deuteronomy 21:6, it denotes the washing or bathing of the entire body. This was not done in the presence of the people, but in a baptistry, behind a curtain. During the second Temple the sacerdotal immersion could not be effected in a vessel, but had to take place in a hollow made in the ground, containing at least twenty-four cubic feet of water. The installation of the priest, which is here conducted by Moses, as the giver and representative of the Divine law, was during the second Temple performed by the Sanhedrin, who "sat in Moses' seat." . . . Verse 6. - Washing, robing, anointing, sacrificing, are the four means by the joint operation of which the consecration is effected. The washing, or bathing, took place in the sight of the people. The whole of the person, except so much as was covered by the linen drawers (Exodus 28:42), was washed. The symbolical significance is clear. Cleansing from sin precedes clothing in righteousness and spiritual unction.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Then Moses
מֹשֶׁ֔ה (mō·šeh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4872: Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver

presented
וַיַּקְרֵ֣ב (way·yaq·rêḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7126: To come near, approach

Aaron
אַהֲרֹ֖ן (’a·hă·rōn)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 175: Aaron -- an elder brother of Moses

and his sons
בָּנָ֑יו (bā·nāw)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1121: A son

and washed
וַיִּרְחַ֥ץ (way·yir·ḥaṣ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7364: To wash, wash off or away, bathe

them with water.
בַּמָּֽיִם׃ (bam·mā·yim)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4325: Water, juice, urine, semen


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OT Law: Leviticus 8:6 Moses brought Aaron and his sons (Le Lv Lev.)