146. The Brazen Laver

 •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 10
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Exodus 40:7 Thou shalt set the laver between the tent of the congregation and the altar, and shalt put water therein.
This was made out of the “brazen1 mirrors” of the women (Exod 38:8) and was used for the ablutions of the priests (Ex. 30:17-21). The better to accomplish this purpose it was placed between the brazen altar and the door of the Tabernacle (Ex. 40:30-32). No description is given of its shape or size, but it is supposed to have been circular. In connection with the laver frequent mention is made of what is called its “foot.” See Exodus 30:18,28; 31:9; 35:16; 39:39; 40:11; Leviticus 8:11. This has led some commentators to believe that the “foot” was something more than a mere pedestal for the support of the laver, and they suppose that it may have been a lower basin to catch the water which flowed through taps or otherwise from the laver, thus making a convenient arrangement for washing the hands and feet of the priests.
 
1. Copper is probably meant by the original word. See note on Daniel 5:4 (#594).