In the Old Testament, why did the priests have to wash before they went into the temple? “ The Lord said to Moses, make a bronze basin with its bronze stand for washing. Our motivations will be pure, without defilement. If our heart is pure, our hands and actions will be pure. ‘He will deliver even one who is not innocent, who will be delivered through the cleanness of your hands.” (Job 22: 30, NIV)Ĭlean hands speak of guiltless actions. Our Hands were made to deliver folks from sin, not help to engage in it. As the Holy Spirit grows us, our character changes, and the sinful things that we used to engage in, no longer should entrap us. This place should be part of our walk with the Lord.

There is a place that we are to uphold, a place that is close to the heart of the Lord, the place of having clean hands and a pure heart. When we cleanse our hearts before the Lord, we grow. “ The righteous will hold to their ways, and those with clean hands will grow stronger.” (Job 17: 9, NIV) The washing of hands makes us grow stronger spiritually. Outward preparation to meet God, symbolizes the inward consecration God requires of his people. Why was the washing of hands required? Washing was a sign of consecration. In the Tabernacle days, before any ministry took place in His holy place, the Priests were to wash their hands. “ I wash my hands in innocence, and go about your altar, O Lord proclaiming aloud your praise telling of all your wonderful deeds.” (Psalm 26: 6-7, NIV) No seriously, we are being told that our hands are to be cleansed for sacred use. To those of you who know the importance of washing our hands, especially before meals, you will love hearing this: We get rewards from washing, and it’s more than removing the germs! Yes, when our hands are clean, we are rewarded.

Why is the cleanness of our hands associated with righteousness? This verse not only associates clean hands and righteousness, but it also speaks of receiving a reward. Here’s another Scripture about hands: “ The Lord dealt with me according to my righteousness according to the cleanness of my hands, He has rewarded me.” (2 Samuel 22: 21, NIV) He will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God His Savior.” (Psalm 24: 4-6, NIV) “He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false. In Jesus, Amen.Did you know that our hands are not only an extension of our arms, but of our hearts as well? I was pondering on this recently and asked for a deeper understanding. Your grace and love are the soap we need. “Clean hands and a pure heart,” Lord-that is what we pray for today. When was the last time you checked to see if your hands were clean? Being willing to acknowledge the dirt on our hands and feet is the first step in becoming his disciples. He showed his skill with a bowl of water and a towel as he washed his disciples’ dirty feet (John 13). What dirty objects are we clasping in our hands, holding onto for dear life, as if they have the power to be our God?

Perhaps that’s because God knows how easily we can deceive ourselves about what we truly worship or about where we actually place our trust. Such people do not “trust in an idol or swear by a false god.” Being dishonest or deceitful is something God hates. Psalm 24 asks, “Who is worthy to stand in the holy presence of God?” The answer: Only those who have “clean hands and a pure heart.” What does the psalmist mean by that? It offered everyone an opportunity to reflect about who God is in comparison to us, and to be reminded to humble oneself in God’s presence. In ancient times a bowl of water was placed at the entrance of the place of worship so that everyone who came to worship the Lord could wash their hands before coming inside.

With clean hands and a pure heart