The concept of sacred anointing in the Bible is deeply rooted in the practices and rituals of the Israelites, serving as a means of consecration and dedication to God. Among the various objects and individuals that received anointing, the brazen laver holds a significant place in the religious life of ancient Israel.

The Brazen Laver:

The brazen laver, also known as the bronze basin, was a critical component of the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings. It was situated in the courtyard of the Tabernacle, between the Tent of Meeting and the altar. The primary function of the laver was for the ceremonial washing of the priests before they performed their duties, symbolizing purification and readiness to serve the Lord.

Biblical Description and Anointing:

The instructions for the construction and use of the brazen laver are found in the Book of Exodus. Exodus 30:18-21 provides specific details: "You are to make a bronze basin for washing, with a bronze stand, and set it between the Tent of Meeting and the altar. 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 presenting 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."

The laver itself, along with other elements of the Tabernacle, was consecrated through anointing. Exodus 40:9-11 states, "Take the anointing oil and anoint the Tabernacle and everything within it; consecrate it and all its furnishings, and it will be holy. Anoint the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils; consecrate the altar, and it will be most holy. Anoint the basin and its stand and consecrate them."

Symbolism and Significance:

The anointing of the brazen laver signified its sanctification for holy use, setting it apart from common objects. This act of anointing underscored the importance of purity and holiness in approaching God. The laver's role in the ritual purification of the priests highlighted the necessity of spiritual cleanliness and the removal of defilement before engaging in worship and service to the Lord.

In the broader theological context, the laver and its anointing can be seen as a foreshadowing of the cleansing work of Christ. Just as the priests needed to be physically clean to serve, believers are called to spiritual purity through the redemptive work of Jesus, who cleanses from sin and prepares His followers for service in His kingdom.

The sacred anointing of the brazen laver, therefore, not only served a practical purpose in the religious practices of ancient Israel but also pointed to deeper spiritual truths that resonate throughout the biblical narrative.Exodus 40:11
And you shall anoint the laver and his foot, and sanctify it.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Whether There Can be any Suitable Cause for the Sacraments of the ...
... should be consecrated with any bodily anointing, bodily sacrifices ... else because they
who handle sacred things with a ... the power of offering these things to the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether there can be any 2.htm

Scriptural Types.
... Hence we find the sacred writers freely explaining the meaning ... 1, and the same symbol
of anointing often elsewhere ... ark of the testimony, of all things which I ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxvii scriptural types.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... by God to sacred story; and since that sacred story is ... to that which was left behind;
things that naturally ... lay in those additions which they received from the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... This solemn warning, received in the midst of his sport ... his inquiries as to the meaning
of the sacred language ... him with an inexhaustible store of things new and ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

What was the significance of anointing spices in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What was the significance of the anointed priest? | GotQuestions.org

What is grave sucking / grave soaking / mantle grabbing? | GotQuestions.org

Anointing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus