Topical Bible: Laver of Brass: Regeneration

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The Laver of Brass, also known as the Bronze Laver, holds significant theological and symbolic importance in the context of the Tabernacle and Temple worship as described in the Old Testament. It is intricately linked to the concept of regeneration, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical narrative.

Biblical Description and Function

The Laver of Brass was a large basin made of bronze, situated in the courtyard of the Tabernacle between the Tent of Meeting and the altar. Its primary function was for the ceremonial washing of the priests. According to Exodus 30:18-21 , God instructed Moses: "You are to make a bronze basin with a bronze stand for washing. 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."

This ritual washing was a prerequisite for the priests before they could perform their sacred duties, symbolizing purification and the removal of defilement. The laver thus served as a constant reminder of the need for holiness and cleanliness before approaching God.

Symbolism and Theological Significance

The Laver of Brass is rich in symbolism, particularly in its association with the concept of regeneration. In the broader biblical narrative, water often symbolizes cleansing and renewal. The act of washing at the laver prefigures the spiritual cleansing and renewal that is central to the Christian understanding of regeneration.

Regeneration, in Christian theology, refers to the spiritual rebirth of an individual, a transformation brought about by the Holy Spirit. This concept is echoed in the New Testament, where water is frequently used as a metaphor for spiritual cleansing and renewal. In John 3:5 , Jesus tells Nicodemus, "Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit." This passage highlights the necessity of spiritual rebirth, a cleansing that goes beyond the physical to the spiritual realm.

Typology and Fulfillment in Christ

The Laver of Brass finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as the laver was essential for the priests to be cleansed before serving in the Tabernacle, so too is Christ essential for the spiritual cleansing and regeneration of believers. 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."

This passage underscores the role of Christ in the sanctification and cleansing of the Church, drawing a parallel to the function of the laver. The "washing with water through the word" signifies the transformative power of the Gospel, which brings about regeneration and renewal in the life of the believer.

Practical Implications for Believers

For contemporary believers, the symbolism of the Laver of Brass serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for spiritual cleansing and renewal. It calls Christians to a life of holiness and purity, continually seeking the transformative work of the Holy Spirit. The laver's role in the Old Testament worship system points to the necessity of approaching God with a clean heart, a theme that remains relevant in the life of the Church today.

In summary, the Laver of Brass is a profound symbol of regeneration, illustrating the necessity of spiritual cleansing and renewal. It points forward to the work of Christ, who provides the ultimate means of purification and transformation for all who believe.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Titus 3:5
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ephesians 5:26
That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... I read that the laver of brass and the foot of it was made of the looking-glasses
of the women that assembled at the door of the tabernacle (Exodus 38:8 ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm

A Discourse of the Building, Nature, Excellency, and Government of ...
... sacrifice; Here is an altar, and a laver too, And ... fire also; His feet are like fine
brass, as if ... brood the creation; And he's the cause of man's regeneration. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse of the building.htm

Treatise on Christ and Antichrist.
... God, by whom we too, receiving the regeneration through the ... vessels of most precious
wood, and of brass, and iron ... which she bears with her is the laver of the ...
/.../treatise on christ and antichrist.htm

How to Read the Bible
... the priests washed their feet at the laver before they ... persons looking to the serpent
of brass and living ... of God: it is the instrumental means of regeneration. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 25 1879/how to read the bible.htm

On the Clause, and Shall Come in Glory to Judge the Quick and the ...
... A fourth beast dreadful and terrible: it had iron teeth and claws of brass. ... a petition
that God would "vouchsafe to them the laver of regeneration, and the ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xv on the clause.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... all this violent depravity, the Holy Spirit began the work of regeneration in his ...
Lord, break these gates of brass, and cut these bars of iron asunder' (Psalm ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm