Ablution(bathing, cleansing)
“From 'abluere' - to wash away”
Summary
The ritual washing with water practiced for ceremonial purification, both as commanded in the Mosaic law and as developed in Jewish tradition.
☩Types of Ablution
Biblical and rabbinical law recognized three types of washing: (1) washing of the hands, (2) washing of the hands and feet, and (3) immersion of the whole body in water. Each served different purposes in the ceremonial system and represented varying degrees of purification.
☩Priestly Ablutions
The Law required priests, on pain of death, to wash their hands and feet before approaching the altar or entering the sanctuary. A bronze laver stood between the tabernacle and altar for this purpose. Aaron and his sons were washed with water at their consecration to the priesthood.
☩Purification from Uncleanness
The Mosaic law prescribed ablution for various forms of ceremonial uncleanness, including leprosy, bodily discharges, contact with the dead, and other defilements. The person remained unclean until evening even after washing, and in severe cases remained unclean seven days.
☩Pharisaic Traditions
By New Testament times, the Pharisees had elaborated hand-washing into an extensive system of tradition. They washed hands before every meal involving bread and after any potentially defiling contact. Jesus criticized this focus on external purity while neglecting inward righteousness.
☩Figurative Meaning
Throughout Scripture, washing symbolizes spiritual cleansing. Pilate's washing of hands declared innocence of blood. David prayed to be washed from sin. The New Testament speaks of being 'washed' in regeneration and by the blood of Christ.
Related Verses128 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Ablution," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. I (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Ablution," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. I (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).