Topical Encyclopedia The Tabernacle, as described in the Old Testament, served as the portable dwelling place for the Divine Presence among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness. Central to its design was the outer court, which housed various sacred vessels, many of which were made of brass (bronze). This entry explores the significance and function of these brass vessels within the court of the Tabernacle.Biblical Description and Function The outer court of the Tabernacle was a rectangular area enclosed by linen curtains, supported by pillars with bronze bases (Exodus 27:9-19). This court was the site of significant ritual activity, including sacrifices and offerings. The vessels made of brass were integral to these rituals, serving both practical and symbolic purposes. The Bronze Altar One of the most prominent brass vessels in the court was the bronze altar, also known as the altar of burnt offering. According to Exodus 27:1-8, the altar was constructed of acacia wood and overlaid with bronze. It measured five cubits square and three cubits high, with horns on its four corners. The altar was used for burning sacrifices, a central act of worship and atonement for the Israelites. The use of bronze, a durable and resilient material, symbolized strength and endurance, reflecting the perpetual nature of the sacrificial system. The Bronze Basin Another critical vessel was the bronze basin, or laver, placed between the Tent of Meeting and the altar (Exodus 30:17-21). This basin was used by the priests for ceremonial washing before performing their duties, emphasizing the importance of purity and holiness in approaching God. The water in the basin symbolized spiritual cleansing, a necessary preparation for entering the presence of the Lord. Other Bronze Implements In addition to the altar and basin, various other implements used in the sacrificial rites were made of bronze. These included pots, shovels, basins, forks, and firepans (Exodus 27:3). Each of these items played a role in the handling and management of the offerings, ensuring that the rituals were conducted according to divine instructions. Symbolism and Theological Significance The use of bronze in the construction of these vessels carries deep theological significance. Bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, was known for its strength and resistance to corrosion, making it suitable for the harsh conditions of the wilderness. Symbolically, bronze represents judgment and purification, themes central to the sacrificial system. The vessels of bronze in the Tabernacle court thus served as constant reminders of God's holiness, the seriousness of sin, and the need for atonement. Scriptural References The Berean Standard Bible provides detailed accounts of the construction and use of these vessels. Key passages include: · Exodus 27:1-8: Description of the bronze altar. · Exodus 30:17-21: Instructions for the bronze basin. · Exodus 27:3: List of bronze implements used in the sacrificial rites. These passages highlight the meticulous care with which God instructed the Israelites to construct and use these vessels, underscoring their importance in the worship and religious life of the community. In summary, the court of the Tabernacle, with its vessels made of brass, was a place of profound spiritual activity and significance. The bronze vessels facilitated the rituals that allowed the Israelites to maintain their covenant relationship with God, serving as tangible expressions of divine grace and judgment. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 27:19All the vessels of the tabernacle in all the service thereof, and all the pins thereof, and all the pins of the court, shall be of brass. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Concerning the Tabernacle which Moses Built in the Wilderness for ... Whether Sufficient Reason Can be Assigned for the Ceremonies ... The Ark of his Covenant The Temple and Its Dedication A Discourse Solomon's Temple Spiritualized Saul's Conversion Letter Lx. To Heliodorus. The Figurative Language of Scripture. Book ii. Resources What was the significance of the bronze laver? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the tent of meeting? | GotQuestions.org Who were Bezalel and Oholiab in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Tabernacle: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Tabernacle of Testimony Witness Tabernacle was a Moveable Tent Suited to the Unsettled Condition of Tabernacle was Set up by Moses at Mount Sinai Tabernacle was Set up in Shiloh Tabernacle was Set Up: At Gilgal Tabernacle was Set Up: Finally at Gibeon Tabernacle: (The Holy of Holies) Heaven Tabernacle: (The Vail) Christ's Body Tabernacle: (The Vail) the Obscurity of the Mosaic Age Tabernacle: A Permanent House Substituted For, when the Kingdom Was Tabernacle: All Males Required to Appear Before, Three Times Each Year Tabernacle: All offerings to be Made At Tabernacle: Anointed and Consecrated With Oil Tabernacle: Anointed With Holy Oil Tabernacle: Brought to the Temple by Solomon Tabernacle: Called The: House of the Lord Tabernacle: Called The: Tabernacle of Joseph Tabernacle: Called The: Tabernacle of Shiloh Tabernacle: Called The: Tabernacle of Testimony or Witness Tabernacle: Called The: Tabernacle of the Congregation Tabernacle: Called The: Tabernacle of the Lord Tabernacle: Called The: Temple of the Lord Tabernacle: Carried in Front of the People of Israel in the Line of March Tabernacle: Court of all the Pillars of, Filleted With Silver Tabernacle: Court of all the Vessels of, Made of Brass Tabernacle: Court of Contained the Brazen Altar and Laver of Brass Tabernacle: Court of One Hundred Cubits Long and Fifty Cubits Wide Tabernacle: Court of Surrounded by Curtains of Fine Line Suspended from Pillars Tabernacle: Court of The Gate of, a Hanging of Blue, Purple Twenty Cubits Tabernacle: Coverings of The First or Inner, Ten Curtains of Blue, Purple Joined Tabernacle: Coverings of The Fourth or Outward of Badgers' Skins Tabernacle: Coverings of The Second, Eleven Curtains of Goats' Hair Tabernacle: Coverings of The Third of Rams' Skins Dyed Red Tabernacle: Defilement of, Punished Tabernacle: Description of The Frame Tabernacle: Designed for Manifestation of God's Presence and for His Tabernacle: Divided by a Vail of Blue, Purple, Suspended from Four Tabernacle: Divided Into: The Holy Place Tabernacle: Divided Into: The Most Holy Place Tabernacle: Divine Wisdom Given to Bezaleel to Make Tabernacle: Filled With the Cloud of Glory Tabernacle: First Reared, on the First Day of the Second Year After The Tabernacle: Free-Will offerings Made at the Dedication of the Altar of Tabernacle: Free-Will offerings Made at the First Rearing of Tabernacle: had a Court Round About Tabernacle: How and by Whom Carried Tabernacle: How Prepared for Removal During the Travels of the Israelites Tabernacle: Israelites Worship At Tabernacle: Made of the Free-Will offerings of the People Tabernacle: Materials For, Voluntarily offered Tabernacle: Moses Was Commanded to Make After a Divine Pattern Tabernacle: Offerings Brought To Tabernacle: One Existed Before Moses Received the Pattern Authorized on Mount Sinai Tabernacle: Pattern of, Revealed to Moses Tabernacle: Pitched: At Gibeon Tabernacle: Pitched: At Gilgal Tabernacle: Pitched: At Shiloh Tabernacle: Punishment for Defiling Tabernacle: Renewed by David, and Pitched Upon Mount Zion Tabernacle: Sanctified by the Glory of the Lord Tabernacle: Solomon offers Sacrifice At Tabernacle: Sprinkled and Purified With Blood Tabernacle: Sprinkled With Blood Tabernacle: Strangers (Foreigners) Forbidden to Enter Tabernacle: Symbol of Spiritual Things Tabernacle: The Ark and Mercy-Seat Put in the Most Holy Place Tabernacle: The Boards of had Each Two Tenons Fitted Into Sockets of Silver Tabernacle: The Boards of Made of Shittim Wood Tabernacle: The Boards of Six, and Two Corner Boards for West Side Tabernacle: The Boards of Supported by Bars of Shittim Wood Resting in Rings of Gold Tabernacle: The Boards of Ten Cubits High by One and a Half Broad Tabernacle: The Boards of Twenty on North Side Tabernacle: The Boards of Twenty on South Side Tabernacle: The Boards of With the Bars, Covered With Gold Tabernacle: The Cloud of Glory Rested On, by Night and Day During Its Tabernacle: The Door of, a Curtain of Blue and Purple Suspended by Gold Tabernacle: The Journeys of Israel Regulated by the Cloud On Tabernacle: The Levites: Appointed Over, and had Charge of Tabernacle: The Levites: Carried Tabernacle: The Levites: did the Inferior Service of Tabernacle: The Levites: Pitched Their Tents Around Tabernacle: The Levites: Took Down, and Put Up Tabernacle: The Lord Appeared In, Over the Mercy-Seat Tabernacle: The Lord Reveals Himself At Tabernacle: The Most Holy Place Tabernacle: The One Instituted by Moses Was Called of Testimony Tabernacle: The One Instituted by Moses Was Called: House of the Lord Tabernacle: The One Instituted by Moses Was Called: Sanctuary Tabernacle: The One Instituted by Moses Was Called: Tabernacle (A. V.), Tent (R. V.) Tabernacle: The One Instituted by Moses Was Called: Tabernacle (A. V.), Tent of Meeting (R. V.) Tabernacle: The One Instituted by Moses Was Called: Temple of the Lord Tabernacle: The One Instituted by Moses Was Called: Tent of Testimony (R. V.) Tabernacle: The Outer Covering Tabernacle: The Priests were the Ministers of Tabernacle: The Priests: Alone Could Enter Tabernacle: The Priests: Performed all Services In Tabernacle: The Second Covering Tabernacle: The Table of Show-Bread, the Golden Candlestick, and The Tabernacle: Tribes Encamped Around, While in the Wilderness Tabernacle: Value of the Substance Contributed For Tabernacle: Workmen Who Constructed It Were Inspired Related Terms |