“And he made the laver of brass, and the foot of it of brass, of the lookingglasses of the women assembling, which assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.”
Context:This verse is part of the description of the construction of the tabernacle in the wilderness. The tabernacle was a portable sanctuary and place of worship for the Israelites during their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. In this particular verse, we are introduced to the “laver of brass,” which was a large basin made of brass used for the priests’ ritual washing before performing their duties in the tabernacle.
Key Points:
- The Laver of Brass:The “laver of brass” was a significant piece of furniture in the tabernacle. It was a basin made of brass, a durable and strong metal, used for ceremonial washing. The use of brass symbolised purification and holiness. The laver served as a reminder to the priests of their need for spiritual cleansing and sanctification before approaching God.
- The Foot of the Laver:The verse mentions the “foot of it of brass.” This likely refers to the base or pedestal on which the basin stood. It was also made of brass, providing stability and support for the laver.
- The Material Source:The construction of the laver was unique because its brass was derived from “the lookingglasses of the women assembling.” These looking glasses, or mirrors, were likely made of polished brass or bronze. The women who used these mirrors assembled at the door of the tabernacle, possibly as part of their worship or service.
Spiritual Lessons:
- Purification and Cleansing:The laver’s purpose in the tabernacle was to cleanse the priests before they entered the holy place to serve God. This reminds us of the importance of spiritual cleansing and purity before coming into God’s presence. As believers today, we are called to examine ourselves, repent of our sins, and seek God’s forgiveness regularly. Only when we are purified by the blood of Christ can we draw near to God with a clean conscience (Hebrews 10:22).
- The Value of Humility:The fact that the brass for the laver came from the mirrors of the women assembling at the tabernacle door teaches us about the importance of humility in worship and service. The women willingly contributed something valuable to them, their mirrors, for the construction of a holy vessel. Similarly, we should be willing to surrender our desires and possessions for the advancement of God’s kingdom and the service of others.
- Importance of Women in Worship and Service:The mention of women in this verse highlights their active participation in worship and their role in the service of God. This stands as a reminder that both men and women have a vital place in the body of Christ and should be encouraged to use their gifts and talents for God’s glory.
Application:As we reflect on Exodus 38:10, let’s consider how we can apply the spiritual lessons from the laver of brass to our lives today:
- Regularly seek God’s forgiveness and purification through confession and repentance.
- Cultivate humility in our worship and service, willingly offering our resources and talents for God’s purposes.
- Recognise and value the contributions of all believers, regardless of gender, in the work of God’s kingdom.
Remember, the tabernacle and its furnishings were a foreshadowing of the greater reality we have in Jesus Christ. The sacrifices and rituals pointed to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ on the cross, through which we can receive complete forgiveness and reconciliation with God. Let us live in light of this truth and seek to honour God in all that we do.
