As both Aaron (the High Priest) and his sons (4 of them at the time of the writing of Leviticus 8) were ordained, consecrated, dedicated to serve the Lord, installed as priests of Israel … several actions were to be performed upon/unto them.

One (the first) of which was recorded as follows: “And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Take Aaron and his sons with him, and the garments, and the anointing oil, and a bullock for the sin offering, and two rams, and a basket of unleavened bread; and gather thou all the congregation together unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. And Moses did as the LORD commanded him; and the assembly was gathered together unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. And Moses said unto the congregation, This is the thing which the LORD commanded to be done. 6 And Moses brought Aaron and his sons, and WASHED THEM WITH WATER.” Leviticus 8:1-6, note the capitalized (and underlined) clause.

We do not know the precise detail this “washing” involved, but their bodies were cleansed, nonetheless. But why? That is the question. Could they not have bathed at home, in their tents, prior to coming to the Tabernacle? (And maybe they did, even.)

This “washing” must teach some spiritual lesson, principle. More than simple (though important) physical hygiene.

And it does!

Any servant of God (be he Old Testament Priest or New Testament Pastor) must (essentially) be “washed“ in the water “of the Word of God!” Prior to his beginning his ministry! As an initial step!

Totally involved in the Word!

Cleansed by the Word!

Read Paul here in Ephesisns5:25-26 … “Christ loved the church, and gave himself for it; that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the WASHING OF WATER by the WORD.”

Wow!

Psalm 119:9, a pertinent question asked and answered! “Wherewithal shall a young man CLEANSE his way? by taking heed thereto according to THY WORD.”

Now Jesus in John 15:3 … “Now ye are CLEAN THROUGH THE WORD which I have spoken unto you.”

The Word of God, typified by the Laver in the Old Testament Tabernacle, cleanses us from defilement. (Though only the Blood of Jesus washes away sin, mind you.)

And this is why, I strongly believe, these Priests (first of all) were publicly bathed (the “whole congregation” gathered around the door of the Tabernacle) … as a symbol of the purity God’s Word offers to bring to our lives.

The first necessity of any ministry … get “in” the Word of God! Maybe better said, get the Word of God “in” you!

The very Ark of the Covenant (also in the Tabernacle) housed three items, one of which was the “Tablets of Stone,” the written Word of God! And this Ark is (undoubtedly) a Picture of Jesus … God’s Son and our Saviour … Who had “in His very Being, His very Heart” … the Tablets of the good Word of God!

As I said … “in” the Word!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

Preachers, this Lesson should be a real challenge to us all! To love God’s Word, and “meditate therein day and night!” To, as did the Bereans of old, “search the Scriptures daily.”

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