In Exodus 30:17-21 God prescribes that the priests wash their hands and feet before entering the Tent of Meeting and before approaching the altar to present offerings to God. This hands and feet washing was symbolic of cleansing their hearts before approaching God.
In another foreshadowing in II Kings 5:10-14 a man named Naaman seeks out the prophet Elisha to heal his leprosy. He was told to dip seven times in the river Jordan. Naaman was offended and thought it foolish, but a servant convinced him to do as the man of God had told him. After dipping the seventh time in the Jordan, his leprosy was gone.
Of course, there was no healing power in the water of the Jordan river. The healing came from having a submissive and obedient heart. By faith Naaman dipped in the Jordan river and his leprosy was cleansed.
The New Testament fulfillment of this foreshadowing is the Christian’s belief in Jesus Christ and baptism by faith in his name (Mark 16:15-16). Like Naaman many are offended and think this is foolish. Also like Naaman, those who repent and obey in faith, have their disease of sin washed from their lives and are made whole in Christ.
By Gerry Sturgeon