King James Bible
"And Moses went down from the mount unto the people, and sanctified the people; and they washed their clothes."
Moses descends from Mount Sinai where he has been receiving God's instructions for preparing the Israelites to meet with the Lord. His movement from the divine presence on the mountain to the people below emphasizes his mediatorial role between God and Israel. Moses consecrates the Israelites through ritual purification, setting them apart as holy in preparation for their encounter with God. This sanctification process was essential in ancient Near Eastern contexts where approaching deity required ceremonial cleanliness. The washing of garments represents outward purification that symbolizes inner spiritual readiness. This physical act of cleansing demonstrates the people's obedience to God's commands and their recognition that meeting the Holy One requires both external and internal preparation.