Topical Encyclopedia The Laver of Brass, also known as the Bronze Laver, was a significant element in the Tabernacle of the Israelites, serving as a basin for ceremonial washing. This sacred object was situated in the courtyard of the Tabernacle, between the Tent of Meeting and the altar. Its primary function was to provide a means for the priests to wash their hands and feet before performing their duties, ensuring ritual purity as they approached the holy tasks of sacrifice and worship.Biblical Description and Construction The instructions for the construction of the Laver are found in the Book of Exodus. The Lord commanded Moses to make the Laver from the bronze mirrors donated by the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting (Exodus 38:8). This act of devotion and sacrifice by the women highlights the communal effort and dedication involved in the creation of the Tabernacle's furnishings. Anointing with Holy Oil The anointing of the Laver with holy oil is a significant event, marking it as consecrated and set apart for divine service. In Exodus 40:9-11, God instructs Moses to anoint the Tabernacle and all its furnishings, including the Laver, with the sacred anointing oil: "Then take the anointing oil and anoint the tabernacle and everything in 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." The anointing with oil symbolized the sanctification and dedication of the Laver to God's service. This act of consecration was essential for maintaining the holiness required for the priests to perform their duties. The use of holy oil, a blend of olive oil and aromatic spices as described in Exodus 30:22-25, was reserved for sacred purposes, underscoring the Laver's role in the divine worship system. Symbolism and Theological Significance The Laver of Brass holds deep symbolic meaning within the context of Israelite worship. It represents purification and the necessity of cleansing before approaching God. The act of washing at the Laver was not merely a physical cleansing but also a spiritual preparation, reminding the priests of the holiness required in their service to the Lord. The anointing of the Laver with holy oil further emphasizes its sanctity and the importance of consecration in the life of the believer. In the broader theological context, the Laver can be seen as a foreshadowing of the cleansing work of Christ, who purifies believers and prepares them for service in the Kingdom of God. New Testament Reflection While the New Testament does not directly reference the Laver, the concept of spiritual cleansing is echoed in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. In John 13:10, Jesus speaks of the need for His disciples to be clean, a theme that resonates with the ritual purity symbolized by the Laver. Additionally, the apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 5:26 about Christ sanctifying the church, "cleansing her by the washing with water through the word," drawing a parallel to the purification rituals of the Old Testament. In summary, the Laver of Brass, anointed with holy oil, stands as a testament to the importance of holiness, purification, and dedication in the worship of God, serving as a vital component of the Tabernacle and a profound symbol of spiritual truth. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 40:11And you shall anoint the laver and his foot, and sanctify it. Torrey's Topical Textbook Leviticus 8:11 Library A Description of Heart-Purity Solomon's Temple Spiritualized Treatise on Christ and Antichrist. On the Clause, and Shall Come in Glory to Judge the Quick and the ... 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) |
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