Especially noteworthy was the requirement that Levite priests wash their feet and hands before going into the tabernacle or before officiating at the altar.​—Ex 30:17-21; 40:30-32.

The Law prescribed that the priests wash their hands and their feet at the copper basin located between the sanctuary and the altar before ministering at the altar or entering the tent of meeting. (Ex 30:18-21)

Water was used at the tabernacle both for physical cleanness and in a symbolic way. At the installation of the priesthood, the priests were washed with water, and symbolically, “sin-cleansing water” was spattered on the Levites. (Ex 29:4; Nu 8:6, 7) Priests washed before ministering at Jehovah’s sanctuary and before approaching the altar of burnt offering. (Ex 40:30-32) Water was employed to wash sacrifices (Le 1:9) and in ceremonial purifications. (Le 14:5-9, 50-52; 15:4-27; 17:15; Nu 19:1-22; see CLEAN, CLEANNESS.)