Numbers 8:7

water of expiation lit. water of sin, a unique expression denoting -water that washes away sin." Cf. the -waters of bitterness" (Numbers 5:17 f.), -water of impurity" (Numbers 19:9). Notice that the Levites are only sprinkled, while the priests (Exodus 29:4; Leviticus 8:6) are completely bathed. This comparison suggests that the water here, as there, is intended to be simple pure water.

cause a razor&c. for the purpose of cleanliness. In Herod. ii. 37 the Egyptian priests are said to -shave themselves all over their body every other day."

wash their clothes as ordinary laymen would do (Exodus 19:14) for ceremonial cleansing. The priests, on the other hand, were vested in entirely new robes of office (Exodus 29:8 f., Leviticus 8:13).