“And thou shalt anoint the laver and his foot, and sanctify it.”
This verse is part of the instructions given to Moses by God regarding the consecration of the tabernacle, the place of worship, which the Israelites were commanded to construct in the wilderness.
Anointing the Laver and Its Foot:The laver, also known as the basin or the bronze laver, was a significant item in the tabernacle. It was a large basin filled with water and was used by the priests for washing their hands and feet before entering the holy place or offering sacrifices. The laver was made of bronze and sat on a bronze stand or foot.
The act of anointing the laver and its foot involved pouring sacred anointing oil over them, thereby setting them apart for holy use. Anointing with oil is a symbol of consecration and dedication to God’s service. By anointing the laver, it became a sacred vessel, representing the purification and cleansing required for those who would draw near to God.
Sanctifying the Laver:To sanctify means to make something holy or set it apart for sacred purposes. In this context, the laver was sanctified to serve a specific role in the tabernacle, facilitating the cleansing of the priests before engaging in their priestly duties. This act of sanctification emphasized the importance of purity and holiness when approaching God’s presence.
Spiritual Lessons and Applications:
- Purity and Holiness:The anointed laver reminds us of the importance of spiritual purity and holiness before coming into God’s presence. Just as the priests needed to wash themselves before serving in the tabernacle, we, as believers, should approach God with hearts cleansed from sin and a desire for holiness.
- Anointing and Empowerment:In the Bible, anointing with oil is often associated with empowerment by the Holy Spirit. As Christians, we are anointed by the Holy Spirit (1 John 2:20) to fulfill God’s purposes. The anointing sets us apart for God’s service and enables us to carry out our callings effectively.
- The Role of the Holy Spirit:Water was used for washing in the laver. In the New Testament, water is often a symbol of the Holy Spirit, who cleanses and purifies our hearts. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, we are continually sanctified and transformed into the likeness of Christ.
- Preparation for Service:Just as the priests needed to wash before ministering in the tabernacle, we must prepare ourselves through prayer, study of the Word, and seeking God’s guidance before engaging in any form of service for Him.
Conclusion:Exodus 40:11 teaches us about the significance of consecration, purity, and holiness in our relationship with God. The anointing of the laver and its foot symbolizes our need for the Holy Spirit’s empowering and cleansing work in our lives as we serve God and draw near to His presence. May we be continually mindful of our need for purification and the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, seeking to live dedicated and sanctified lives for God’s glory.
