Exodus 30:17-21

Instructions for Making the Basin

17 And Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

18 "And you will make a basin of bronze and its bronze stand for washing, and you will put it between the tent of assembly and the altar, and you will put water there.

19 And Aaron and his sons will wash their hands and their feet with it.

20 When they come to the tent of assembly, they will wash with water so that they do not die, or when they approach the altar to serve by turning to smoke an offering made by fire to Yahweh.

21 And they will wash their hands and their feet so that they do not die, and it will be a lasting rule for them--to him and to his offspring throughout their generations.

Exodus 30:17-21 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO EXODUS 30

This chapter treats of the altar of incense, its form and use, Ex 30:1-10 of the ransom of the Israelites, with the half shekel when numbered, Ex 30:11-16 of the laver for the priests to wash their hands and feet at before service, Ex 30:17-21 of the anointing oil, the ingredients of it, and what was to be done with it, Ex 30:22-33, and of the perfume, the composition and use of it, Ex 30:34-38.