Topical Encyclopedia The term "laver" in the Bible refers to a large basin used for ceremonial washing, primarily associated with the Tabernacle and later the Temple in Jerusalem. The laver holds significant theological and symbolic meaning within the context of Old Testament worship and ritual purification.Biblical Description and Construction The laver is first mentioned in the Book of Exodus as part of the instructions given to Moses for the construction of the Tabernacle. In Exodus 30:18-21 , God commands 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 burning an offering made by fire to the LORD, they must wash with water, so that they will not die." The laver was made of bronze, a material often associated with judgment and purification. Its placement between the altar of burnt offering and the entrance to the Tent of Meeting underscores its role in the process of sanctification before approaching God. Symbolism and Function The laver served a dual purpose: practical and symbolic. Practically, it provided a means for the priests to cleanse themselves, ensuring that they were ritually pure before performing their sacred duties. Symbolically, the laver represents the necessity of purification and holiness in approaching God. The act of washing signified the removal of impurity and sin, a prerequisite for entering into the presence of the Holy. The laver's water is often seen as a type of the Word of God, which cleanses and sanctifies believers. Ephesians 5:26 speaks of Christ sanctifying the church, "cleansing her by the washing with water through the word." This connection highlights the ongoing need for spiritual cleansing through engagement with Scripture. The Laver in the Temple In Solomon's Temple, the laver was replaced by a much larger structure known as the "Sea," described in 1 Kings 7:23-26 . This massive basin, also made of bronze, rested on twelve oxen and held a significant amount of water. The Sea served a similar purpose as the laver, providing water for the priests' purification rituals. New Testament Connections While the physical laver is not mentioned in the New Testament, its spiritual implications continue. The concept of washing and purification is echoed in the sacrament of baptism, which symbolizes the believer's cleansing from sin and new life in Christ. Titus 3:5 refers to the "washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit," drawing a parallel to the laver's role in the Old Covenant. Theological Implications The laver underscores the holiness of God and the need for purity in worship. It serves as a reminder of the separation between the divine and the profane, emphasizing that access to God requires cleansing. This principle is fulfilled in the New Covenant through the atoning work of Jesus Christ, who provides the ultimate purification for believers. In summary, the laver is a significant element in the biblical narrative, illustrating the necessity of holiness and the means by which God provides for the purification of His people. Its presence in the Tabernacle and Temple rituals points to the greater spiritual truths realized in the person and work of Christ. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 38:8And he made the laver of brass, and the foot of it of brass, of the mirrors of the women assembling, which assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 7:23 Library Petilianus Said: "Those who have Polluted their Souls with a ... Christ's Connection with the Creator Shown Many Quotations Out of ... writings in connection with the donatist controversy. The Works of the Church, the Bringing Forth of Children in Baptism ... The Sacrament of Marriage; Marriage Indissoluble; the World's Law ... Quietus of Burug Said: "We who Live by Faith Ought with Believing ... Cassius of Macomades Said: "Since There Cannot be Two Baptisms... Ye Know that we have Often Wished to Bring Forward into Open ... Another Felix of Uthina Said: "No one Can Doubt... Children Brought to Christ, and not to the Font 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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