Bible Word of the Day
Ablutions (Ceremonial Cleansing)
Meaning
The word ablutions refer to a variety of ceremonial washings or cleansing. These were primarily found in the Old Testament scripture and part of the Mosaic Laws. They were cleansing practices required for the individual to participate in various types of personal and community worship. In addition, they were made to set an individual apart for special service to the Lord. They included things like washing hands, bathing and the cleansing of utensils and clothes. The purpose wasn’t so much for the purposes of good hygiene, as it was to show the need for purification prior to coming before God or for use by the Lord.
“Then the man brought the men into Joseph’s house and gave them water, and they washed their feet; and he gave their donkeys fodder.” (Book of Genesis 43:24)
“So Moses went down from the mountain to the people and consecrated the people, and they washed their garments.” (Book of Exodus 19:14)
“So David arose from the ground, washed, anointed himself, and changed his clothes; and he came into the house of the LORD and worshiped. Then he came to his own house, and when he requested, they set food before him and he ate.” (Book of 2nd Samuel 12:20)