What does Exodus 40:32 mean?
"When they went into the tent of the congregation, and when they came near unto the altar, they washed; as the LORD commanded Moses." - Exodus 40:32

Exodus 40:32 - "When they went into the tent of the congregation, and when they came near unto the altar, they washed; as the LORD commanded Moses."
Exodus 40:32 from the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible reads: "When they went into the tent of the congregation, and when they came near unto the altar, they washed; as the Lord commanded Moses." This verse is part of the description of the consecration and anointment of the tabernacle in the wilderness, as well as its furnishings and the priests who would serve there.
The book of Exodus, in which this verse is found, tells the story of the Israelites' escape from slavery in Egypt and their journey to the Promised Land under the leadership of Moses. The construction and consecration of the tabernacle was a central event in this journey, as it symbolized God's presence and dwelling among His people.
In this verse, we see the obedience of the priests to the commandment of the Lord. They washed themselves before entering the tent of the congregation and approaching the altar, as Moses had been instructed by God. This act of washing symbolized purification and preparedness for serving in the presence of the Lord. It also demonstrated the priests' respect and reverence for the holiness of the tabernacle and their understanding of the need for cleanliness in approaching God.
This verse also highlights the importance of obedience to God's commandments. The priests did not act according to their own will or understanding, but followed the specific instructions given to them by God through Moses. This obedience was a sign of their faith in God and acknowledgment of His authority. It also served as an example to the rest of the Israelites, showing them the importance of following God's laws and commandments.
The act of washing before approaching the altar also holds symbolic significance. In the Bible, washing is often used to represent spiritual cleansing and purification. In this context, the priests' act of washing before serving in the tabernacle symbolized their desire to be cleansed from sin and impurity, and to approach God with hearts that were pure and ready to serve Him.
The theme of holiness and reverence for God's presence is also prominent in this verse. The tabernacle was considered the dwelling place of God among His people, and it was to be treated with the utmost respect and sanctity. The act of washing before approaching the altar emphasized the holiness of the tabernacle and the need for the priests to be spiritually and physically pure when serving in God's presence.
Furthermore, this verse also underscores the importance of ritual and ceremony in worship. The specific instructions given to the priests regarding their actions and behavior in the tabernacle were not just arbitrary rules, but were meant to teach important spiritual truths and to shape the priests' attitudes and behavior in their service to God. The rituals and ceremonies were designed to help the people of Israel understand their relationship with God and to express their faith and devotion to Him.
In conclusion, Exodus 40:32 from the King James Version of the Bible is a significant verse that highlights the themes of obedience to God's commandments, spiritual cleansing, holiness, and reverence for God's presence. It also underscores the importance of ritual and ceremony in worship, and the role of these practices in shaping the faith and devotion of God's people. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of following God's laws, and the need for purity and reverence in approaching the presence of the Lord.
Exodus 40:32 Artwork

Exodus 40:32 - "When they went into the tent of the congregation, and when they came near unto the altar, they washed; as the LORD commanded Moses."

Exodus 40:9

Exodus 40: 34

Exodus 32:28

The Plague of Flies - Exodus 8:20-32.

The Plague of Flies - Exodus 8:20-32

Exodus 40:1 - "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,"

The Plague of Flies - Exodus 8:20-32

Exodus 40:28 - "¶ And he set up the hanging at the door of the tabernacle."

Numbers 32:40 - "And Moses gave Gilead unto Machir the son of Manasseh; and he dwelt therein."

Deuteronomy 32:40 - "For I lift up my hand to heaven, and say, I live for ever."

Exodus 40:11 - "And thou shalt anoint the laver and his foot, and sanctify it."

Exodus 40:3 - "And thou shalt put therein the ark of the testimony, and cover the ark with the vail."

Exodus 40:31 - "And Moses and Aaron and his sons washed their hands and their feet thereat:"

Exodus 40:27 - "And he burnt sweet incense thereon; as the LORD commanded Moses."

Exodus 40:14 - "And thou shalt bring his sons, and clothe them with coats:"

Ezekiel 40:32 - "¶ And he brought me into the inner court toward the east: and he measured the gate according to these measures."

Exodus 40:34 - "¶ Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle."

Exodus 40:25 - "And he lighted the lamps before the LORD; as the LORD commanded Moses."

Exodus 40:26 - "¶ And he put the golden altar in the tent of the congregation before the vail:"

Exodus 40:37 - "But if the cloud were not taken up, then they journeyed not till the day that it was taken up."

Exodus 9:32 - "But the wheat and the rie were not smitten: for they were not grown up."

Exodus 23:32 - "Thou shalt make no covenant with them, nor with their gods."

Exodus 35:32 - "And to devise curious works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass,"

Exodus 25:40 - "And look that thou make them after their pattern, which was shewed thee in the mount."

Exodus 40:23 - "And he set the bread in order upon it before the LORD; as the LORD had commanded Moses."

Exodus 40:2 - "On the first day of the first month shalt thou set up the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation."

Exodus 40:22 - "¶ And he put the table in the tent of the congregation, upon the side of the tabernacle northward, without the vail."

Exodus 40:6 - "And thou shalt set the altar of the burnt offering before the door of the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation."

Exodus 40:30 - "¶ And he set the laver between the tent of the congregation and the altar, and put water there, to wash withal."