Exodus 30:18

KJV

Thou shalt also make a laver [of] brass, and his foot [also of] brass, to wash [withal]: and thou shalt put it between the tabernacle of the congregation and the altar, and thou shalt put water therein.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt also make {H6213} a laver {H3595} of brass {H5178}, and his foot {H3653} also of brass {H5178}, to wash {H7364} withal: and thou shalt put {H5414} it between the tabernacle {H168} of the congregation {H4150} and the altar {H4196}, and thou shalt put {H5414} water {H4325} therein.

Complete Jewish Bible

"You are to make a basin of bronze, with a base of bronze, for washing. Place it between the tent of meeting and the altar, and put water in it.

Berean Standard Bible

“You are to make a bronze basin with a bronze stand for washing. Set it between the Tent of Meeting and the altar, and put water in it,

American Standard Version

Thou shalt also make a laver of brass, and the base thereof of brass, whereat to wash. And thou shalt put it between the tent of meeting and the altar, and thou shalt put water therein.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 30:18 details the divine mandate for the construction of the bronze laver, a pivotal piece of furniture in the Tabernacle's outer court. This instruction specifies its material and precise placement between the Altar of Burnt Offering and the entrance to the Holy Place. Its fundamental purpose was to contain water for the ceremonial washing of the priests' hands and feet, underscoring the indispensable requirement of ritual purity and spiritual readiness for those consecrated to minister in the immediate presence of a holy God, thereby establishing a physical prerequisite for sacred service within the divinely appointed sanctuary.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is intricately woven into a highly detailed section of Exodus, specifically chapters 25-31, where God meticulously provides Moses with the blueprints for the Tabernacle, its furnishings, priestly vestments, and anointing rituals. Within this larger framework, Exodus 30 focuses on various components essential for Tabernacle service, including the Altar of Incense ([Exodus 30:1-10](/exodus/30-1-10 "Exodus 30:1-10 - The Altar of Incense")), the atonement money ([Exodus 30:11-16](/exodus/30-11-16 "Exodus 30:11-16 - The Atonement Money")), and then the laver. The strategic placement of the laver, immediately following instructions for the Altar of Incense and preceding the sacred anointing oil and incense recipes ([Exodus 30:22-38](/exodus/30-22-38 "Exodus 30:22-38 - Anointing Oil and Sacred Incense")), highlights its integral role in the prescribed sequence of priestly duties. It functions as a non-negotiable purification step *after* the atoning sacrifice on the bronze altar ([Exodus 27:1-8](/exodus/27-1-8 "Exodus 27:1-8 - The Altar of Burnt Offering")) and *before* entering the Holy Place for incense offering or other sacred tasks, emphatically demonstrating that cleansing is an indispensable prerequisite for approaching God's holy presence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** While the concept of ritual purity was prevalent in the ancient Near East, Israel's system, divinely revealed through Yahweh, possessed unique theological depth and moral implications. The Tabernacle itself was designed as a portable sanctuary, symbolizing God's tangible dwelling among His people ([Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - God's Dwelling Among His People")). The meticulous instructions for its construction, including the laver, powerfully communicate God's absolute holiness and His demand for a corresponding holiness from those who served Him. Priests, functioning as mediators, were required to be ceremonially clean to avoid defiling the sacred space and to prevent incurring divine judgment, a warning explicitly stated in [Exodus 30:20](/exodus/30-20 "Exodus 30:20 - Consequence of Not Washing"). Although washing before approaching a deity or entering a sacred space was known in other cultures, for Israel, this practice was inextricably linked to their covenant relationship with a living, holy God, emphasizing a deeper moral and spiritual purity beyond mere ritualistic adherence. The material of the laver, brass (bronze), held particular significance, as [Exodus 38:8](/exodus/38-8 "Exodus 38:8 - Source of the Laver's Bronze") reveals it was fashioned from the polished bronze mirrors of the Israelite women, symbolizing a profound sacrifice of personal reflection and vanity for the sake of divine service and a deep act of devotion.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 30:18 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. Foremost among these is the theme of **God's Holiness and Inaccessibility without Mediation**. The laver, positioned before the Tabernacle, reinforces that a holy God cannot be approached casually or without proper preparation. It underscores the theme of **Purity and Cleansing**, both ritual and spiritual, as essential for divine encounter and service. This ties into the broader theme of **Priestly Consecration and Responsibility**, highlighting the unique requirements and dangers associated with mediating between God and His people. Furthermore, the laver's design and placement emphasize **Divine Order and Meticulousness**, illustrating God's precise instructions for worship and the structured pathway to His presence. Finally, its material and origin subtly introduce the theme of **Sacrifice and Transformation**, where personal possessions and self-focus are surrendered for the glory of God and the establishment of His sacred dwelling.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **laver (Hebrew, _kîyôwr'_):** This term (H3595) refers to something round, like a basin or caldron. In the context of the Tabernacle, it specifically denotes the large bronze basin designed for the ceremonial washing of the priests. Its function was purely for purification, underscoring the necessity of cleanliness for those ministering in God's presence.
* **brass (Hebrew, _nᵉchôsheth'_):** This word (H5178) signifies copper or something made of that metal, often translated as "bronze" in modern versions. In biblical symbolism, bronze is frequently associated with judgment, strength, and endurance. Its use for the laver, particularly its origin from the women's mirrors (as detailed in [Exodus 38:8](/exodus/38-8 "Exodus 38:8 - Source of the Laver's Bronze")), adds a layer of symbolism, suggesting a transformation from self-reflection to divine service, and perhaps reflecting God's judgment on impurity.
* **put (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** This primitive root (H5414) is a versatile verb meaning "to give," but used with a wide latitude of application, including "to put" or "to place." In this verse, it emphasizes the divine command regarding the precise and intentional placement of the laver within the Tabernacle court, highlighting God's sovereign authority in establishing the order and arrangement of His sanctuary.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt also make a laver [of] brass, and his foot [also of] brass, to wash [withal]:"** This initial clause details the divine command for the construction of the laver, explicitly specifying its material—bronze (brass)—for both the basin itself and its supporting stand ("foot"). The immediate declaration of its purpose, "to wash [withal]," unequivocally establishes its function as a vessel for ceremonial purification, emphasizing its indispensable role in the priestly service and the prerequisite of cleanliness for those approaching God.
* **"and thou shalt put it between the tabernacle of the congregation and the altar, and thou shalt put water therein."** This second part of the verse dictates the precise and strategic placement of the laver: in the outer court, situated between the Altar of Burnt Offering (where atoning sacrifices were made) and the entrance to the Tabernacle proper (the Holy Place). This positioning is profoundly significant, illustrating the divinely ordained sequence of approach to God: atonement for sin (at the altar) must precede purification (at the laver) before access to God's immediate presence (in the Tabernacle) is granted. The final command to "put water therein" indicates that the laver was to be perpetually filled and ready for use, symbolizing the continuous and ongoing need for cleansing for all who would minister before the Lord.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 30:18 primarily employs **Prescription** or **Instruction**, as it is a direct divine command detailing the construction, material, and precise placement of a sacred object. This prescriptive language underscores God's meticulousness and His sovereign authority in establishing the protocols for worship and access to His presence. The laver itself functions as a powerful **Symbol**, representing the absolute necessity of ritual and spiritual purity for all who would draw near to a holy God. Its strategic placement and functional role are also highly **Typological**, foreshadowing the greater spiritual cleansing and unhindered access to God provided through the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The material, brass (bronze), carries inherent **Symbolism** of judgment, strength, and endurance, further amplified by its unique origin from the polished mirrors of the Israelite women ([Exodus 38:8](/exodus/38-8 "Exodus 38:8 - Source of the Laver's Bronze")). This origin introduces a subtle **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where the material (mirrors) represents the personal sacrifice and transformation of the people, shifting focus from self-adornment to divine service and purification.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The bronze laver stands as a profound theological statement about the nature of God and the non-negotiable requirements for approaching Him. It unequivocally underscores God's absolute holiness and His demand for purity from those who would serve Him. The divinely ordained sequence of the outer court—first the Altar of Burnt Offering, then the Laver, and finally the Tabernacle entrance—is critically important: atonement for sin must precede purification, which then grants access to God's presence. This teaches a foundational truth: while sacrifice deals with the guilt and penalty of sin, the laver addresses the defilement and impurity of daily life and service, preparing the worshiper for intimate communion. It highlights that even after the initial atoning work, there remains an ongoing, continuous need for cleansing to maintain fellowship and readiness for ministry in the presence of a holy God.

* [Psalm 24:3-4](/psalm/24-3-4 "Psalm 24:3-4 - Who May Ascend the Hill of the Lord?")
* [Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44-45 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - God's Call to Holiness")
* [Isaiah 6:5-7](/isaiah/6-5-7 "Isaiah 6:5-7 - Isaiah's Cleansing for Service")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The spiritual lessons embedded in the bronze laver resonate deeply with believers today, even though the physical Tabernacle and its intricate rituals have been fulfilled in Christ. It serves as a powerful and enduring reminder that our God is utterly holy, and therefore, those who approach Him—whether in worship, fervent prayer, or dedicated service—must do so with a posture of spiritual purity, profound humility, and reverent readiness. Just as the Old Testament priests needed to wash repeatedly before their duties, we too have an ongoing and continuous need for spiritual cleansing. This is not about earning our salvation, which is a free gift received through faith in Christ, but about maintaining vibrant fellowship with God and ensuring our readiness for His service. The laver challenges us to engage in a life of continuous confession of sin, genuine repentance, and unwavering reliance on the purifying work of God's Word and the indwelling Holy Spirit. It calls us to diligently examine our hearts, confess our daily defilements, and earnestly seek to live in a manner worthy of our high calling, ensuring that we are always prepared to draw near to God with integrity and to serve Him with wholehearted devotion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the laver's placement between the altar and the Tabernacle entrance inform our understanding of the sequence of salvation and sanctification in our lives?**
* **In what practical ways do we, as New Covenant believers, still need "washing" before we engage in worship or service to God?**
* **What specific disciplines or practices can we implement to ensure we are continually cleansed by God's Word and Spirit, as symbolized by the laver?**
* **How does the concept of "holiness unto the Lord" ([Exodus 28:36](/exodus/28-36 "Exodus 28:36 - Holiness to the Lord")) relate to the imperative for personal purity in our daily walk and ministry?**

### FAQ

**What was the primary purpose of the laver in the Tabernacle?**

Answer: The primary purpose of the laver was to provide water for the ceremonial washing of the priests' hands and feet. This washing was a mandatory ritual purification required before they could perform any sacred duties, whether ministering at the Altar of Burnt Offering or entering inside the Tabernacle. It ensured they were ceremonially clean to minister in the presence of a holy God and to avoid divine judgment, as explicitly warned in [Exodus 30:20-21](/exodus/30-20-21 "Exodus 30:20-21 - Consequences of Neglecting Washing").

**Why was the laver made of brass (bronze), and what is the significance of its origin from mirrors?**

Answer: The laver was made of brass, more accurately translated as bronze, a durable metal often associated with judgment, strength, and endurance in biblical symbolism. Its unique origin, as revealed in [Exodus 38:8](/exodus/38-8 "Exodus 38:8 - Source of the Laver's Bronze"), was from the polished bronze mirrors of the Israelite women. This detail is profoundly significant: it represents a deep act of devotion and sacrifice, as the women willingly surrendered their personal items of vanity for the construction of a sacred object. The mirrors, once used for self-reflection and outward appearance, were transformed into an instrument for priestly purification, symbolically shifting focus from self to service and from personal vanity to spiritual readiness before God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The bronze laver, with its profound emphasis on cleansing as a prerequisite for access to God and for sacred service, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament laver provided a ritual, external washing that needed to be repeated continually, Christ offers a complete, internal, and eternal spiritual cleansing. He is the true "Laver" through whom believers are purified, not by physical water, but by His precious and atoning blood, which cleanses us from all sin and defilement, as powerfully declared in [1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansing by Christ's Blood"). Just as the priests were washed to serve in the earthly sanctuary, believers are washed by the "washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit" ([Titus 3:5](/titus/3-5 "Titus 3:5 - Washing of Regeneration and Renewal")) and are sanctified by the "washing of water with the word" ([Ephesians 5:26](/ephesians/5-26 "Ephesians 5:26 - Sanctification by the Word")), enabling us to draw near to God with boldness and confidence. Christ's once-for-all sacrifice on the cross ([Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10-14 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")) definitively dealt with our sin problem, making us holy and blameless before God. Now, as our Great High Priest, Jesus continually intercedes for us ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Intercession")), and through His ongoing work, we are continually cleansed and empowered to serve God, no longer needing a physical laver but relying entirely on His perfect and complete purification for all our spiritual needs and for our unhindered access to the Father ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14-16 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Access to God Through Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Exodus 40:7

And thou shalt set the laver between the tent of the congregation and the altar, and shalt put water therein.

Exodus 38:8

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.

2 Chronicles 4:14

He made also bases, and lavers made he upon the bases;

2 Chronicles 4:15

One sea, and twelve oxen under it.

1 Kings 7:38

Then made he ten lavers of brass: one laver contained forty baths: [and] every laver was four cubits: [and] upon every one of the ten bases one laver.

Exodus 40:30

And he set the laver between the tent of the congregation and the altar, and put water there, to wash [withal].

Exodus 40:32

When they went into the tent of the congregation, and when they came near unto the altar, they washed; as the LORD commanded Moses.