Topical Bible: Tabernacle: Court of Contained the Brazen Altar and Laver of Brass

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The Tabernacle, as described in the Old Testament, served as the portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites during their journey through the wilderness. The structure was meticulously designed according to divine instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai. The Tabernacle was divided into three main sections: the Outer Court, the Holy Place, and the Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies). The Outer Court, also known as the Court of the Tabernacle, was a significant area that contained the Brazen Altar and the Laver of Brass, both essential for the sacrificial system and ritual purification.

The Outer Court

The Outer Court was an enclosed area surrounding the Tabernacle proper, measuring approximately 100 cubits in length and 50 cubits in width (Exodus 27:9-18). It was enclosed by a fence made of fine twisted linen, supported by pillars with bronze bases and silver hooks and bands. The entrance to the court was on the east side, marked by a screen of blue, purple, and scarlet yarns, and fine twisted linen, embroidered with needlework (Exodus 27:16).

The Brazen Altar

The Brazen Altar, also known as the Altar of Burnt Offering, was the first object encountered upon entering the Outer Court. Constructed of acacia wood and overlaid with bronze, it measured five cubits square and three cubits high (Exodus 27:1-2). The altar was equipped with horns on its four corners and a grating of bronze network beneath its ledge. It was used for offering burnt sacrifices, which were central to the Israelites' worship and atonement practices. The sacrifices symbolized the people's devotion to God and their need for reconciliation with Him. As stated in Leviticus 1:9 , "The priest is to burn all of it on the altar as a burnt offering, an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD."

The Laver of Brass

Positioned between the Brazen Altar and the entrance to the Tabernacle, the Laver of Brass was a large basin made from the bronze mirrors of the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting (Exodus 38:8). The Laver was filled with water and used by the priests for ceremonial washing before they entered the Tabernacle or approached the altar to offer sacrifices. This act of washing symbolized purification and the need for holiness when approaching God. Exodus 30:18-21 provides the instructions: "You are to make a bronze basin for washing, with a bronze stand. Place it between the Tent of Meeting and the altar, and put water in it. Aaron and his sons are to wash their hands and feet with water from it."

Symbolism and Significance

The elements within the Outer Court of the Tabernacle held profound symbolic meaning. The Brazen Altar represented the necessity of sacrifice for atonement and reconciliation with God, prefiguring the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who offered Himself as the perfect and final atonement for sin. The Laver of Brass emphasized the importance of purity and sanctification, reflecting the believer's need for spiritual cleansing and holiness in their relationship with God.

The Court of the Tabernacle, with its Brazen Altar and Laver of Brass, thus served as a constant reminder to the Israelites of God's holiness, the seriousness of sin, and the means of grace provided for their redemption and sanctification.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 40:29,30
And he put the altar of burnt offering by the door of the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation, and offered on it the burnt offering and the meat offering; as the LORD commanded Moses.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Scriptural Types.
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this act of presentation contained an acknowledgment of guilt that ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxvii scriptural types.htm

A Discourse
... the medium of the Queen and her licentious court, composed principally ... to bear up
that, or what is contained therein? ... And as this tabernacle and ark were to be ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... doubt but that the temple and its services contained many types ... Wherefore here, and
not in the outward court, stood the great brazen altar, which was a ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... which we find, not in the outward court, nor yet ... to do, that have washed before in
the brazen laver that is ... and thou shalt put it between the tabernacle of the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm