Old Testament Background The Old Testament refers many times to ritual washings. The law prescribed ritual bathing for persons deemed ceremonially unclean (Lev. 14:8–9; 15). Aaron and his sons were ceremonially washed at their ordination to the priesthood (Lev. 8:5–6). Sprinkling of the furniture employed in the tabernacle and temple was also prescribed. These ritual washings led to their symbolic application in prayer for spiritual cleansing (Ps. 51:1–2; 7–10; see Ezek. 36:25–26). John’s baptism