“And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,”
Before we delve into the specific verse, let’s provide some context to understand its significance. The book of Exodus is the second book of the Bible and is part of the Pentateuch, also known as the Torah or the Books of Moses. It continues the narrative of the Israelites’ journey from Egypt to the Promised Land.
In Exodus 30, God is giving detailed instructions to Moses for the construction and use of the Tabernacle, which was a portable sanctuary where the Israelites could worship God during their journey in the wilderness.
Now, let’s focus on Exodus 30:17. Surprisingly, this verse consists only of introductory words, and the actual content starts from verse 18 onwards. However, it’s essential to understand the purpose of this passage.
Exodus 30:17 serves as a transition verse, indicating that the Lord is continuing His communication with Moses. The instructions given in the following verses (Exodus 30:18-21) pertain to the construction of the Bronze Basin, also known as the Laver.
Exodus 30:18-21 (KJV):“Thou shalt also make a laver of brass, and his foot also of brass, to wash withal: and thou shalt put it between the tabernacle of the congregation and the altar, and thou shalt put water therein.
For Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet thereat:20 When they go into the tabernacle of the congregation, they shall wash with water, that they die not; or when they come near to the altar to minister, to burn offering made by fire unto the Lord:
So they shall wash their hands and their feet, that they die not:and it shall be a statute forever to them, even to him and to his seed throughout their generations.”
In these verses, God instructs the construction of the laver, a large basin made of brass, which was placed between the Tabernacle and the altar. The primary purpose of the laver was for the priests, specifically Aaron and his sons, to wash their hands and feet before entering the Tabernacle or approaching the altar to perform their priestly duties.
The act of washing symbolized ritual purification, representing the importance of approaching God with cleanliness and a pure heart. The priests had to perform this cleansing act to avoid being struck dead by God’s presence, emphasizing the holiness and reverence required when serving in the presence of the Almighty.
Additionally, the perpetual statute mentioned in verse 21 indicates that this practice of washing at the laver was to be followed by Aaron’s descendants throughout generations as a sacred tradition and a reminder of the need for holiness in God’s service.
In summary:Exodus 30:17 serves as a lead-in to the instructions regarding the construction of the laver and the importance of ritual purification for the priests before their service in the Tabernacle. It underscores the significance of holiness and reverence when approaching God and highlights the perpetuity of this practice in the priestly lineage.
