Topical Encyclopedia The laver, an essential component of the Tabernacle's furnishings, served a critical role in the ritual purification of the priests. Its construction and use are detailed in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Exodus. The laver was placed in the courtyard of the Tabernacle, between the Tent of Meeting and the altar, and was used by the priests for washing their hands and feet before performing their sacred duties, ensuring they were ceremonially clean.Biblical Instructions for Construction The instructions for making the laver are found in Exodus 30:17-21. According to the Berean Standard Bible , the LORD spoke to Moses, saying: > "You are to make a bronze basin for washing, with a bronze stand. You are to place it between the Tent of Meeting and the altar, and put water in it. Aaron and his sons are to wash their hands and feet from it. Whenever they enter the Tent of Meeting or approach the altar to minister by burning 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." (Exodus 30:18-21) Materials and Craftsmanship The laver was crafted from bronze, a durable and valuable metal, symbolizing strength and endurance. The use of bronze also reflects the laver's function in the purification process, as bronze was associated with judgment and cleansing. The bronze for the laver was sourced from the mirrors of the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, as described in Exodus 38:8: > "He made the bronze basin and its stand from the mirrors of the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting." (Exodus 38:8) This detail highlights the communal contribution to the Tabernacle's construction and the transformation of personal items into sacred objects for worship. Symbolism and Function The laver's primary function was to provide water for the priests to wash, symbolizing the need for purity and holiness in approaching God. The act of washing was not merely physical but carried deep spiritual significance, representing the cleansing from sin and the preparation required to enter God's presence. The requirement for Aaron and his sons to wash before entering the Tent of Meeting or approaching the altar underscores the holiness of God and the necessity of purity in worship. The laver's placement between the altar and the Tent of Meeting signifies its role as a mediator between sacrifice and service, emphasizing the continuous need for purification in the life of the believer. The permanent statute for Aaron and his descendants highlights the enduring principle of holiness and the perpetual need for cleansing in the service of God. In summary, the laver was a vital element of the Tabernacle, embodying the principles of purification and preparation for worship. Its construction from bronze mirrors and its prescribed use by the priests underscore the importance of holiness and the transformative power of God's presence. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 30:18-20You 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. Nave's Topical Index Library A Discourse of the Building, Nature, Excellency, and Government of ... Exodus Ceremonies of Baptism and Chrism. Narrative Concerning John the Apostle. Rom. vi. 5 The Oration on Holy Baptism. Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility Book iii. To Pammachius against John of Jerusalem. Against Jovinianus. Resources What was the significance of the bronze laver? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a laver in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Miscellaneous Bible Questions (All) | 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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