C. F. Keil and Franz Delitzsch on Leviticus 8:6-13

Lev 8:6-13

The washing, clothing, and anointing. - Lev 8:6. “Moses brought Aaron and his sons, and washed them with water;” i.e., directed them to wash themselves, no doubt all over, and not merely their hands and feet. This cleansing from bodily uncleanness was a symbol of the putting away of the filth of sin; the washing of the body, therefore, was a symbol of spiritual cleansing, without which no one could draw near to God, and least of all those who were to perform the duties of reconciliation.