Exodus 19:10

Sanctify them to-day and to-morrow— What is meant by sanctification, i.e. a separating and setting apart to holy uses, has been often explained. And here the context very fully informs us, what was to be the mode of the present sanctification of the Israelites: they were to wash their clothes, externally purifying themselves, as symbolical of internal purification. See Hebrews 10:22 and Genesis 35:2. They were to abstain from their wives, Exodus 19:15 in order the better to abstract their minds from all gratifications of the flesh, and to elevate them the more in those holy duties which sanctification implied. Almost all the Eastern nations, as well as the Greeks and Romans, seem to have considered this species of abstinence as a necessary part of purification. It should be remarked, that, to render them the more fit for spiritual intercourse with God, they are enjoined to abstain at given times even from lawful pleasures; a proper hint for those who desire to be united to God, and to excel in holiness. He who desires to gain an absolute dominion over his passions, and to avoid things unlawful, must not proceed to the utmost bounds even of things lawful; but must learn frequently to curb himself in these. From Leviticus 10:8 we learn, that some things were forbidden to the priests, which were allowed to others. Christians are kings and priests unto God. All this ceremony of washing the garments, &c. says Ainsworth, figures out sanctification and purification with the washing of water by the word, Ephesians 5:26. See Titus 3:5. It is from this precept, that the Jewish doctors deduce their doctrine and usage of baptizing all whom they admit as proselytes to their faith.