Exodus 31:9

KJV

And the altar of burnt offering with all his furniture, and the laver and his foot,

KJV (with Strong's)

And the altar {H4196} of burnt offering {H5930} with all his furniture {H3627}, and the laver {H3595} and his foot {H3653},

Complete Jewish Bible

the altar for burnt offerings and all its utensils, the basin and its base,

Berean Standard Bible

the altar of burnt offering with all its utensils, and the basin with its stand—

American Standard Version

and the altar of burnt-offering with all its vessels, and the laver and its base,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 31:9 meticulously details two foundational elements of the Tabernacle courtyard: the altar of burnt offering and the laver with its stand. These sacred furnishings were not merely architectural components but served as indispensable instruments for Israel's divinely ordained worship, symbolizing the twin necessities of atonement for sin through sacrifice and purification for holy service. Their precise inclusion within God's comprehensive blueprint for the Tabernacle underscores the divine origin, sanctity, and ordered nature of the means by which a holy God would dwell among His people and be approached by them.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within a substantial block of text, spanning [Exodus 25-31](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle"), where the Lord systematically reveals to Moses the intricate design and specifications for the Tabernacle and its sacred implements. Specifically, [Exodus 31:1-11](/exodus/31-1 "Exodus 31:1-11 - Appointment of Bezalel and Aholiab") functions as a summary and confirmation of these instructions, immediately following God's divine appointment and spiritual empowerment of Bezalel and Aholiab as the chief artisans. The preceding verses ([Exodus 31:1-6](/exodus/31-1 "Exodus 31:1-6 - God Equips Bezalel and Aholiab")) emphasize that these men were supernaturally gifted with "skill, intelligence, and knowledge in all kinds of crafts" by the Spirit of God, ensuring that the Tabernacle's construction would perfectly align with the divine blueprint. The meticulous enumeration of each item, including the altar and laver in [Exodus 31:9](/exodus/31-9 "Exodus 31:9 - The Altar and Laver"), reinforces the divine origin, non-negotiable nature, and comprehensive scope of the worship system God was establishing for His covenant people.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Tabernacle was designed as a portable sanctuary, reflecting Israel's nomadic existence during their wilderness wanderings after the exodus from Egypt. While temples and sacred spaces were common in the ancient Near East, Israel's Tabernacle was unique in its divine authorship and its central emphasis on the immanent presence of Yahweh among His people. The concepts of sacrifice for sin and ritual purification were indeed prevalent in many ancient cultures; however, for Israel, these practices were uniquely divinely ordained, pointing toward a specific covenant relationship with the one true God. The altar of burnt offering and the laver were not merely functional objects but were imbued with profound theological significance, serving as tangible, visible reminders of God's absolute holiness and the necessary, divinely prescribed steps for sinful humanity to approach Him. The construction of such a complex and sacred structure also served to unify the diverse tribes of Israel around a central place of worship and a shared understanding of God's character and requirements, distinctly setting them apart from surrounding pagan nations and their idolatrous practices.

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 31:9 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. It highlights the theme of **Divine Presence**, as the Tabernacle was the designated dwelling place for God among His people, making His presence tangible and accessible on His terms. The verse also underscores **Holiness and Purity**, emphasizing that a holy God demands a holy approach, necessitating both atonement for sin and ritual purification for service. This directly relates to the theme of **Atonement and Sacrifice**, with the altar of burnt offering serving as the primary means for dealing with sin, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice. Furthermore, the detailed instructions for these items, as part of the broader Tabernacle blueprint, exemplify the theme of **Divine Order and Design**, showcasing God's meticulousness in establishing the means of worship and communion. The roles of the craftsmen, empowered by the Spirit, also subtly introduce the theme of **Divine Empowerment for Service**, ensuring that the construction was not merely human endeavor but divinely enabled for God's glory, as seen throughout [Exodus 31](/exodus/31 "Exodus 31 - Bezalel and Aholiab Appointed").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Altar (Hebrew, _mizbêach'_):** This term (H4196) refers to a place of sacrifice, derived from a root meaning "to slaughter" or "to sacrifice." In the context of the Tabernacle, the `mizbêach` was the primary site where animals were offered, signifying atonement for sin and complete dedication to God. Its construction and function were central to Israel's sacrificial system, establishing the means by which a holy God could commune with His sinful people.
* **Burnt Offering (Hebrew, _ʻôlâh'_):** This word (H5930) literally means "that which goes up" or "ascends." The `ʻôlâh` was a specific type of sacrifice where the entire animal, except for the hide, was consumed by fire on the altar. This complete consumption symbolized total dedication, surrender, and the propitiatory nature of the offering, ascending to God as a pleasing aroma. It represented a comprehensive atonement for unintentional sins and a general act of worship and devotion, demonstrating complete commitment to God.
* **Laver (Hebrew, _kîyôwr'_):** This term (H3595) denotes a round basin or large bowl, specifically designed for washing. The laver in the Tabernacle was made of bronze and positioned between the altar of burnt offering and the entrance to the Holy Place. Its purpose was for the priests to wash their hands and feet before ministering, emphasizing the absolute necessity of ceremonial and spiritual purity for those who would draw near to God in service.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the altar of burnt offering":** This phrase introduces the first of two crucial items listed in this verse, serving as the central piece of furniture in the Tabernacle courtyard. Positioned immediately inside the entrance to the courtyard, the altar was the designated place for animal sacrifices, symbolizing the indispensable shedding of blood for the atonement of sin. Its prominent placement at the very threshold of the sacred space underscored that reconciliation with God through sacrifice was the foundational and non-negotiable first step for anyone seeking to approach Him.
* **"with all his furniture":** This refers to the various implements and tools specifically associated with the altar, necessary for its proper and efficient function. These would have included items such as pans for collecting ashes, shovels for removing them, basins for catching blood, meat forks for handling the offerings, and firepans for carrying coals. The inclusion of "all his furniture" emphasizes the comprehensive and meticulous nature of God's instructions, ensuring that every practical aspect of the sacrificial rituals was divinely prescribed and adequately equipped, leaving no detail to human improvisation.
* **"and the laver":** Following the altar, the laver is introduced as the second essential item in the courtyard. This large bronze basin, filled with water, was positioned between the altar and the entrance to the Tabernacle proper (the Holy Place). Its primary purpose was for the priests to wash their hands and feet before ministering at the altar or entering the tent of meeting. This act of washing symbolized the critical requirement of ceremonial and spiritual purification, signifying that even after atonement, ongoing purity and cleansing are essential for fellowship, service, and drawing near to God's holy presence.
* **"and his foot":** This specifies that the laver was to be constructed with a stand or base upon which it rested. This detail, though seemingly minor, highlights the completeness, stability, and proper elevation of the laver's design, ensuring its functional utility and dignified placement within the Tabernacle courtyard. It further underscores the meticulousness of God's blueprint, where no component, however small, was left to human discretion, emphasizing the divine order and sanctity of every element within the sacred worship space.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological message and underscore the divine precision of the Tabernacle's design. **Metonymy** is clearly evident in the naming of the "altar of burnt offering" and the "laver," where the physical objects themselves stand for the entire system of rituals and profound theological concepts associated with them—namely, atonement through sacrifice and purification for service, respectively. The detailed enumeration of these items, along with their associated "furniture" and the laver's "foot," demonstrates an overwhelming sense of **precision** and **specificity**. This meticulousness emphasizes the divine authorship of the instructions and the non-negotiable nature of God's requirements for worship, leaving no room for human alteration. The entire description of the Tabernacle, including this verse, functions as rich **symbolism**, where each material, dimension, and object (such as the altar and laver) points to deeper spiritual realities concerning God's holiness, humanity's sin, and the divinely provided pathway to reconciliation and communion. The systematic listing and precise arrangement of these elements contribute to an overarching sense of **order** and **design**, reflecting the character of a God who is not only holy but also perfectly orderly and intentional in His interactions with humanity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 31:9, by specifically highlighting the altar of burnt offering and the laver, encapsulates core theological truths fundamental to Israel's covenant relationship with God and, by extension, to all of salvation history. The altar underscores the foundational reality of human sin and the absolute necessity of atonement through the shedding of blood, without which there can be no forgiveness or reconciliation. It vividly portrays God's unyielding holiness, which demands a perfect sacrifice to bridge the chasm created by human transgression. The laver, in turn, emphasizes the subsequent and ongoing requirement for purification and sanctification for anyone desiring to draw near to God's presence and serve Him. Together, these two items represent the dual aspects of God's comprehensive provision for humanity: complete forgiveness for sin and continuous cleansing for holy living, thereby establishing a profound pattern for approaching God that transcends the Old Covenant and finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ.

* [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - The Life is in the Blood")
* [Psalm 24:3-4](/psalm/24-3-4 "Psalm 24:3-4 - Who May Ascend the Hill of the Lord?")
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without Shedding of Blood There Is No Forgiveness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous design of the Tabernacle, particularly the strategic placement and profound function of the altar and the laver, offers timeless and profound insights for contemporary believers. It serves as a powerful reminder that our approach to God is never arbitrary or on our own terms, but must always be on His, acknowledging His absolute holiness and our desperate need for His gracious provision. The altar speaks eloquently to the completed, once-for-all work of Christ, our ultimate and perfect sacrifice, who provides full atonement for our sins. This liberating truth should evoke within us profound gratitude, humble submission, and a deep sense of peace. The laver, however, calls us to continuous self-examination, ongoing repentance, and spiritual cleansing. While our standing before God is eternally secured by Christ's finished work, our daily walk requires continuous purification through the active application of God's Word, the washing of repentance, and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit. We are called to live lives that authentically reflect the holiness of the God we serve, presenting ourselves as "living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")). This journey of sanctification is not a means to earn salvation, but rather a joyful and necessary response to the immeasurable grace we have already received, enabling us to walk worthy of our high calling and serve God with pure hearts and clean hands.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the divinely ordained sequence of the altar then the laver in the Tabernacle courtyard deepen your understanding of the relationship between salvation and sanctification in the Christian life?**
* **In what practical ways do you actively participate in the "washing of water by the word" ([Ephesians 5:26](/ephesians/5-26 "Ephesians 5:26 - Cleansing by the Word")) for your ongoing spiritual cleansing and growth?**
* **Considering the altar's purpose and the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, how does your daily life demonstrate a grateful and obedient response to His finished work on the cross?**
* **What specific areas of your life might need further purification, dedication, or alignment with God's holiness, as powerfully symbolized by the laver?**

### FAQ
**What was the primary purpose of the altar of burnt offering?**

Answer: The primary purpose of the altar of burnt offering was to serve as the central place for animal sacrifices, which were offered as atonement for the sins of the Israelites. It was here that the blood of the innocent animal was shed, symbolizing the payment for sin, and the entire animal (for a burnt offering) was consumed by fire, signifying complete dedication and consecration to God. This ritual underscored the holiness of God and the absolute necessity of a blood sacrifice to bridge the gap between a sinful humanity and a righteous God, powerfully foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

**Why was the laver necessary if sins were atoned for at the altar?**

Answer: While the altar of burnt offering dealt definitively with the issue of sin and provided atonement, the laver served a distinct, yet equally vital, purpose: purification for service and ongoing fellowship. After offering sacrifices at the altar, the priests needed to wash their hands and feet at the laver before entering the Holy Place or continuing their sacred ministry. This emphasized that even forgiven individuals must maintain ceremonial and spiritual purity to draw near to God and serve Him effectively. It highlighted the ongoing need for sanctification and holiness in the life of those who minister in God's presence, a principle that continues to apply to believers today who are called to live holy lives, as exhorted in [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15-16 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Be Holy, for I Am Holy").

**Were the altar and laver the only pieces of furniture in the Tabernacle courtyard?**

Answer: Yes, the altar of burnt offering and the laver were indeed the only two pieces of sacred furniture specifically located in the outer courtyard of the Tabernacle. The courtyard itself was enclosed by a perimeter of curtains. The altar was strategically positioned closest to the courtyard entrance, symbolizing the initial and foundational step of atonement, followed directly by the laver, which was situated between the altar and the entrance to the Tabernacle proper (the Holy Place). This precise and divinely ordained arrangement underscored the necessary sequence for approaching God: first atonement for sin, then purification for service and fellowship, before entering into deeper communion within God's sacred dwelling place.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 31:9, with its precise focus on the altar of burnt offering and the laver, finds its profound and glorious Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The bronze altar, where innocent blood was shed and life offered as a substitute for sin, powerfully prefigures Christ as the ultimate and perfect sacrifice, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His single, definitive offering on the cross, as described in [Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Once for All Sacrifice") and [Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10-14 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice"), perfectly and eternally atoned for humanity's sin, rendering the continuous animal sacrifices of the Old Covenant obsolete and unnecessary. Just as the altar provided the means for reconciliation, Christ's death provides eternal redemption and direct access to God. Furthermore, the laver, requiring ceremonial cleansing for priests before ministry, points to the ongoing purification and sanctification that believers experience through Christ. While our standing before God is perfectly righteous in Him, the "washing of water by the word" ([Ephesians 5:26](/ephesians/5-26 "Ephesians 5:26 - Cleansing by the Word")) and the continuous work of the Holy Spirit continually cleanse us from daily defilements and empower us to live holy lives. This enables us to "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" ([Hebrews 10:22](/hebrews/10-22 "Hebrews 10:22 - Drawing Near with a True Heart")). Thus, Christ is both our complete atonement and our ongoing sanctification, perfectly fulfilling the symbolic functions of both the altar and the laver, providing complete access and purity for all who believe.

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 38:1

¶ And he made the altar of burnt offering [of] shittim wood: five cubits [was] the length thereof, and five cubits the breadth thereof; [it was] foursquare; and three cubits the height thereof.

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.

Exodus 30:18

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.

Exodus 30:21

So they shall wash their hands and their feet, that they die not: and it shall be a statute for ever to them, [even] to him and to his seed throughout their generations.

Exodus 27:1

¶ And thou shalt make an altar [of] shittim wood, five cubits long, and five cubits broad; the altar shall be foursquare: and the height thereof [shall be] three cubits.

Exodus 27:8

Hollow with boards shalt thou make it: as it was shewed thee in the mount, so shall they make [it].

Exodus 40:11

And thou shalt anoint the laver and his foot, and sanctify it.