Aaron and his sons were washed with water before consecration to symbolize purification and the necessity of holiness in approaching God’s service. Washing signified that those who minister before the Lord must be cleansed from defilement and set apart for His work.
Leviticus 8:6 says:
“Then Moses brought Aaron and his sons and washed them with water.”
This ritual cleansing did not remove sin in itself but represented the need for inner purity. Before they could wear the holy garments or offer sacrifices, they had to be sanctified outwardly as a sign of the inward cleansing required to serve a holy God.
This act pointed forward to the spiritual cleansing fulfilled in Christ. Titus 3:5 says:
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.”
The washing of Aaron and his sons reminds us that all who serve God must first be cleansed, a truth ultimately fulfilled in the believer’s salvation and sanctification through Christ.
