Exodus 30:17-21 And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,… There are three principal points with which the lessons taught us by the laver may be connected. I. In the first place, let us consider what we are taught by THE LAVER WITH ITS SUPPLY OF CLEANSING WATER. The laver, with its abundant supply of pure cleansing water, points to the Spirit of God, and the truth through which that Spirit acts, as the great appointed instruments for carrying on the work of sanctification in the souls of believers. II. But, secondly, let us inquire what lessons we are taught by THE PERSONS WHO USED THE LAVER. It was only the priests who had access to the laver. We see here the true character of God's people; the high privilege accorded them; and the nature of the service required of them. III. But there is a third and last point of view from which to contemplate this laver, and gather instruction from it, and that is THE POSITION IT OCCUPIED. This is very significant. The direction given to Moses, on this point, was most explicit: "Thou shalt put it between the tent of the congregation and the altar." "The tent of the congregation" means the Tabernacle. Thus the laver stood, by Divine direction, midway between the brazen altar and the Tabernacle. The Jew was required to come first to the brazen altar, with its propitiatory sacrifice, and then to the laver, with its cleansing water. Not the washing first, and then forgiveness, but forgiveness first, and then the washing. (R. Newton, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, |
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