Topical Encyclopedia The Laver of Brass, also known as the Bronze Laver, was a significant element in the Tabernacle of the Old Testament, serving as a basin for ceremonial washing. Positioned between the Tent of Meeting and the altar, it was used by the priests for cleansing before they performed their sacred duties (Exodus 30:18-21). This act of washing symbolized purification and readiness to serve in the presence of God, highlighting the necessity of holiness and cleanliness in worship.The laver was made from the bronze mirrors donated by the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting (Exodus 38:8). This detail underscores the laver's reflective quality, both literally and spiritually, as it provided a means for the priests to examine themselves before approaching God. The reflective nature of the laver can be seen as a metaphor for self-examination and repentance, essential components of spiritual purification. In the New Testament, the concept of washing and purification finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is often depicted as the fountain for sin. The laver's function as a means of cleansing prefigures the cleansing power of Christ's sacrifice. In John 4:14 , Jesus speaks of Himself as the source of "living water," offering eternal life and spiritual cleansing to those who believe in Him. This living water is a metaphor for the Holy Spirit, who purifies and renews the believer. Furthermore, the Apostle Paul draws a parallel between the ceremonial washings of the Old Covenant and the spiritual cleansing available through Christ. In Ephesians 5:25-26 , Paul writes, "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word." Here, the "washing with water" signifies the sanctifying work of Christ, who purifies the Church through His Word and Spirit. The laver's role in the Tabernacle as a precursor to Christ's redemptive work is further emphasized in the book of Hebrews. Hebrews 10:22 encourages believers to "draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and our bodies washed with pure water." This passage highlights the comprehensive nature of Christ's cleansing, which purifies both the inner conscience and the outward life of the believer. In the prophetic vision of Zechariah, the theme of cleansing is vividly portrayed. Zechariah 13:1 declares, "On that day a fountain will be opened to the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and impurity." This prophecy points to the Messianic age, where Christ, the fountain for sin, provides the ultimate purification for His people. The Laver of Brass, therefore, serves as a profound symbol of the cleansing and sanctifying work of Jesus Christ. As the priests of old washed in the laver to prepare for service, believers today are called to be cleansed by Christ, the true fountain for sin, to serve God in holiness and truth. Torrey's Topical Textbook Zechariah 13:1In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness. Torrey's Topical Textbook Revelation 1:5 Library A Description of Heart-Purity Treatise on Christ and Antichrist. Scriptural Types. A Discourse of the Building, Nature, Excellency, and Government of ... The Saints' Privilege and Profit; They Shall be Called the Children of God Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus. The Mystery Solomon's Temple Spiritualized Memoir of John Bunyan Resources What is the meaning of bitter water in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the new anointing? | GotQuestions.org What is the Valley of Succoth in the Bible? | 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) |