Exodus 30:20 - When they go into the Tent of Meeting, they shall wash with water, that they not die; or when they come near to the altar to minister, to burn an offering made by fire to Yahweh.
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What does "Exodus 30:20" mean?
This verse from Exodus 30:20 outlines a critical ritual requirement for the priests before entering the Tent of Meeting or approaching the altar to perform sacrifices. Let's break it down:
"When they go into the Tent of Meeting...": The "Tent of Meeting" (also called the Tabernacle) was the portable sanctuary where God's presence resided with the Israelites during their wilderness journey. It was the center of their worship and the place where God met with Moses and the priests.
"...they shall wash with water...": This refers to a ceremonial cleansing, not just a hygienic one. Water, in this context, symbolized purification and the removal of any impurity or defilement that would make them unfit to approach God. This washing was performed at the bronze basin, which contained water specially for this purpose (described in Exodus 30:17-21).
"...that they not die...": This is the crucial consequence. Entering the Tent of Meeting or approaching the altar without being properly cleansed would result in death. This highlights the extreme holiness of God and the absolute necessity of approaching Him with reverence and purity. It underscores the danger of approaching a holy God in an unholy state.
"...or when they come near to the altar to minister, to burn an offering made by fire to Yahweh.": "The altar" refers to the altar of burnt offering, located in the courtyard of the Tabernacle. "To minister" means to perform priestly duties, specifically offering sacrifices to God. These sacrifices ("offerings made by fire to Yahweh") were a central part of Israelite worship and were considered a pleasing aroma to God. Even when they approach the altar for the act of sacrifice, they have to be clean.
In essence, the verse means:
Priests must ceremonially wash with water before entering the Tent of Meeting or before performing sacrifices at the altar. Failure to do so would result in death due to violating God's holiness.
Significance:
Holiness of God: The verse emphasizes God's absolute holiness and the reverence required when approaching Him. It shows that God is not to be approached casually or irreverently.
Need for Purification: It highlights the need for purification and cleansing before entering God's presence. Sin and impurity separate people from God, and ritual cleansing was a way to symbolically address that separation.
Role of the Priesthood: It underscores the special role and responsibility of the priests. They were mediators between God and the people, and their actions had significant consequences.
Symbolic Meaning: While the washing was literal, it also carried a symbolic meaning. It represented the need for inner purity and a cleansed heart when approaching God.
Connection to the New Testament:
In the New Testament, the concept of cleansing is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. He is the ultimate sacrifice that cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7). While Christians are not under the same ceremonial laws as the Israelites, the principle of approaching God with a clean heart remains essential. The physical washing in the Old Testament pointed to the spiritual cleansing that is offered through faith in Jesus.
Exodus 30:20 - When they go into the Tent of Meeting, they shall wash with water, that they not die; or when they come near to the altar to minister, to burn an offering made by fire to Yahweh.
What does "Exodus 30:20" mean?
This verse from Exodus 30:20 outlines a critical ritual requirement for the priests before entering the Tent of Meeting or approaching the altar to perform sacrifices. Let's break it down:
"When they go into the Tent of Meeting...": The "Tent of Meeting" (also called the Tabernacle) was the portable sanctuary where God's presence resided with the Israelites during their wilderness journey. It was the center of their worship and the place where God met with Moses and the priests.
"...they shall wash with water...": This refers to a ceremonial cleansing, not just a hygienic one. Water, in this context, symbolized purification and the removal of any impurity or defilement that would make them unfit to approach God. This washing was performed at the bronze basin, which contained water specially for this purpose (described in Exodus 30:17-21).
"...that they not die...": This is the crucial consequence. Entering the Tent of Meeting or approaching the altar without being properly cleansed would result in death. This highlights the extreme holiness of God and the absolute necessity of approaching Him with reverence and purity. It underscores the danger of approaching a holy God in an unholy state.
"...or when they come near to the altar to minister, to burn an offering made by fire to Yahweh.": "The altar" refers to the altar of burnt offering, located in the courtyard of the Tabernacle. "To minister" means to perform priestly duties, specifically offering sacrifices to God. These sacrifices ("offerings made by fire to Yahweh") were a central part of Israelite worship and were considered a pleasing aroma to God. Even when they approach the altar for the act of sacrifice, they have to be clean.
In essence, the verse means:
Priests must ceremonially wash with water before entering the Tent of Meeting or before performing sacrifices at the altar. Failure to do so would result in death due to violating God's holiness.
Significance:
Holiness of God: The verse emphasizes God's absolute holiness and the reverence required when approaching Him. It shows that God is not to be approached casually or irreverently.
Need for Purification: It highlights the need for purification and cleansing before entering God's presence. Sin and impurity separate people from God, and ritual cleansing was a way to symbolically address that separation.
Role of the Priesthood: It underscores the special role and responsibility of the priests. They were mediators between God and the people, and their actions had significant consequences.
Symbolic Meaning: While the washing was literal, it also carried a symbolic meaning. It represented the need for inner purity and a cleansed heart when approaching God.
Connection to the New Testament:
In the New Testament, the concept of cleansing is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. He is the ultimate sacrifice that cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7). While Christians are not under the same ceremonial laws as the Israelites, the principle of approaching God with a clean heart remains essential. The physical washing in the Old Testament pointed to the spiritual cleansing that is offered through faith in Jesus.