A student notes that foot-washing is an act of hospitality, in places like Genesis 18 and elsewhere.
It is also required of priests entering the tabernacle.
These amount to the same thing. Priests are given water to wash as they are welcomed into Yahweh’s house.
Purity rules are, perhaps, not rules of exclusion but an act of welcome.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
Of Roots and Adventures
I have lived in Ohio, Michigan, Georgia (twice), Pennsylvania, Alabama (also twice), England, and Idaho. I left…
Our Most Popular Articles of 2025
It’s been a big year for First Things. Our website was completely redesigned, and stories like the…
Our Year in Film & Television—2025
First Things editors and writers share the most memorable films and TV shows they watched this year.…
