What did the Laver in the tabernacle represent?

The laver in the tabernacle played a crucial role in the worship and service of God by the priests of Israel. As a sacred vessel filled with water, it symbolized purification, sanctification, and preparation for service in the presence of the Lord. Its significance extends beyond the Old Testament, finding fulfillment in the cleansing work of Christ and the sanctification of believers through the Word and the Holy Spirit. This study explores the biblical description, purpose, and typology of the laver, demonstrating its theological and spiritual implications.

Biblical Description of the Laver

The bronze laver, also called the laver of brass, was located in the outer court of the tabernacle, between the bronze altar and the entrance to the Holy Place.

• Exodus 30:18 (NKJV) – “You shall also make a laver of bronze, with its base also of bronze, for washing. You shall put it between the tabernacle of meeting and the altar. And you shall put water in it.”

The laver was distinct from the bronze altar where sacrifices were offered, emphasizing that cleansing followed atonement. After the priests offered sacrifices, they were required to wash in the laver before entering the Holy Place.

The Purpose of the Laver

The laver was designed for the priests to wash their hands and feet, ensuring ceremonial cleanliness before ministering before the Lord.

• Exodus 30:19-21 (NKJV) – “For Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet in water from it. When they go into the tabernacle of meeting, or when they come near the altar to minister, to burn an offering made by fire to the Lord, they shall wash with water, lest they die. So they shall wash their hands and their feet, lest they die. And it shall be a statute forever to them—to him and his descendants throughout their generations.”

This command underscores the seriousness of approaching God in holiness and purity. The laver’s function symbolized spiritual cleansing and the requirement for those who serve God to be free from impurity.

The Symbolism of the Laver

The laver carried deep spiritual significance in the following ways:

Symbol of Spiritual Cleansing

The washing at the laver pointed to the need for spiritual purification before approaching God. The Bible frequently associates water with cleansing from sin and spiritual renewal.

• Psalm 51:2 (NKJV) – “Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.”
• Ezekiel 36:25 (NKJV) – “Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols.”

A Picture of the Word of God

Water in Scripture often represents the Word of God, which cleanses and sanctifies believers.

• Ephesians 5:26 (NKJV) – “That He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word.”
• John 15:3 (NKJV) – “You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.”

The priests had to look into the laver and wash before entering God’s presence, just as believers today must allow the Word of God to cleanse and transform them before serving Him.

Representation of Baptism

The laver also typifies Christian baptism, which symbolizes cleansing from sin and identification with Christ’s death and resurrection.

• Acts 22:16 (NKJV) – “And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.”

Though baptism does not save, it is a public testimony of one’s cleansing by faith in Christ’s finished work.

The Laver and the Priestly Service

Only priests were required to wash at the laver, signifying that only those set apart for God’s service must be clean and holy.

• Leviticus 8:6 (NKJV) – “Then Moses brought Aaron and his sons and washed them with water.”

Today, all believers are considered priests in Christ.

• 1 Peter 2:9 (NKJV) – “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”

Just as the priests had to wash before ministering in the tabernacle, Christians must be spiritually clean before serving God effectively.

The Laver and Jesus Christ

Christ is the ultimate source of cleansing that the laver represented. He cleanses believers through His blood, His Word, and the Holy Spirit.

• Titus 3:5 (NKJV) – “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.”
• Hebrews 10:22 (NKJV) – “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.”

Just as the priests washed before entering the Holy Place, believers must be cleansed by Christ before they can enter God’s presence.

The Laver in the Heavenly Pattern

The earthly tabernacle, including the laver, was a pattern of the heavenly sanctuary.

• Hebrews 9:23-24 (NKJV) – “Therefore it was necessary that the copies of the things in the heavens should be purified with these, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us.”

In the heavenly temple, cleansing is fully realized through Christ’s eternal priesthood.

The Laver and Christian Life

The laver teaches vital truths for believers today:

• Daily cleansing through God’s Word – Just as the priests washed daily, believers must cleanse their hearts and minds with Scripture.
• Holiness before serving God – Only those who are spiritually clean can minister effectively.
• Dependence on Christ’s cleansing – True purity comes only through Christ’s atoning work.

Conclusion

The laver in the tabernacle was not merely a vessel for washing but a profound symbol of spiritual purification, sanctification, and preparation for service. It pointed forward to Jesus Christ, the true source of cleansing, and continues to remind believers of the importance of holiness, the Word of God, and the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives. Just as the priests had to wash before entering God’s presence, so must all who serve Him be cleansed by the blood of Christ and sanctified through His Word. The laver remains a powerful picture of the sanctification process that prepares believers for communion with God and service in His kingdom.