Topical Encyclopedia The Laver of Brass, also known as the Bronze Laver, was a significant element in the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings. This sacred basin was commanded by God to be made as part of the instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai. The laver was used for ceremonial washing by the priests before they performed their duties in the Tabernacle, symbolizing purification and holiness.Biblical Instructions and Description The instructions for the construction of the Laver of Brass are found in the Book of Exodus. God commanded Moses to make the laver from bronze, a durable and valuable metal. The specific instructions are recorded in Exodus 30:17-21 : "The LORD also said to Moses, 'You are to make a bronze basin for washing, with a bronze stand. Place it between the Tent of Meeting and the altar, and put water in it, with which Aaron and his sons are to wash their hands and feet. Whenever they enter the Tent of Meeting or approach the altar to minister by presenting an offering made by fire to the LORD, they must wash with water so that they will not die. Thus they are to wash their hands and feet so that they will not die; this shall be a permanent statute for Aaron and his descendants for the generations to come.'" The laver was positioned strategically between the Tent of Meeting and the altar, emphasizing its role in the purification process before entering the holy presence of God or performing sacrificial duties. Symbolism and Function The Laver of Brass served a dual purpose: practical and symbolic. Practically, it provided a means for the priests to cleanse themselves physically, ensuring that they approached their sacred duties with cleanliness. Symbolically, the act of washing represented spiritual purification and the need for holiness when serving God. The laver underscored the importance of purity and the acknowledgment of human imperfection before a holy God. The requirement for the priests to wash their hands and feet highlights the comprehensive nature of purification, covering both their actions (hands) and their walk (feet). This ritual cleansing was a constant reminder of the need for sanctification in the service of the Lord. Construction and Materials The laver was made from bronze, a material chosen for its strength and resistance to corrosion. According to Exodus 38:8 , the bronze used for the laver was sourced from the mirrors of the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting: "Next, he made the bronze basin and its stand from the mirrors of the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting." This detail adds a layer of depth to the laver's significance, as the mirrors, objects of personal reflection and vanity, were transformed into a tool for divine service. This transformation symbolizes the surrender of personal pride and the dedication of one's life to God's purposes. Theological Implications The Laver of Brass is a profound representation of the necessity of cleansing and sanctification in the life of a believer. It foreshadows the New Testament teachings on purification through Christ, who provides the ultimate cleansing from sin. The laver's role in the Tabernacle worship system points to the greater spiritual truths fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who offers believers a way to be cleansed and made holy before God. In summary, the Laver of Brass was an essential component of the Tabernacle, serving as a constant reminder of the need for purity and holiness in the service of God. Its construction, placement, and use were divinely ordained, reflecting the seriousness with which God views the sanctity of worship and service. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 30:18You shall also make a laver of brass, and his foot also of brass, to wash with: and you shall put it between the tabernacle of the congregation and the altar, and you shall put water therein. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Temple and Its Dedication The Saints' Privilege and Profit; A Description of Heart-Purity In the House of his Heavenly, and in the Home of his Earthly ... Solomon's Temple Spiritualized A Discourse Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus. Memoir of John Bunyan Resources What was the tabernacle of Moses? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was Herod's temple? | GotQuestions.org Is Jesus in the Old Testament? | GotQuestions.org Laver: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Laver of Brass was Anointed With Holy Oil Laver of Brass was Placed in the Court Between the Altar and the Tabernacle Laver of Brass: Called the Brazen Sea Laver of Brass: Christ the Fountain for Sin Laver of Brass: Made of Brazen Mirrors of the Women Laver of Brass: Moses Was Commanded to Make Laver of Brass: One Made by Solomon for the Temple Laver of Brass: The Priests Washed in Before Approaching the Altar Laver of Brass: The Priests Washed in Before Consecration Laver of Brass: The Priests Washed in Before Entering the Tabernacle Laver of Brass: Wisdom Given to Bezaleel to Make Laver: Brazen (Bronze), Made by Solomon for the Temple Laver: Broken and Carried Away to Babylon by the Chaldeans Laver: Situation of, in the Tabernacle, Tent of the Congregation, and the Altar Related Terms Burnt-offering (205 Occurrences) Congregation (347 Occurrences) |
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