Exodus 35:16

KJV

The altar of burnt offering, with his brasen grate, his staves, and all his vessels, the laver and his foot,

KJV (with Strong's)

The altar {H4196} of burnt offering {H5930}, with his brasen {H5178} grate {H4345}, his staves {H905}, and all his vessels {H3627}, the laver {H3595} and his foot {H3653},

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

the altar of burnt offering with its bronze grate, its poles, and all its utensils; the basin with its stand;

American Standard Version

the altar of burnt-offering, with its grating of brass, its staves, and all its vessels, the laver and its base;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 35:16 provides a precise inventory of the essential furnishings for the Tabernacle's outer courtyard: the altar of burnt offering with its associated components, and the laver with its base. This verse is part of Moses' comprehensive instructions to the Israelite community for constructing the portable sanctuary, emphasizing God's meticulous requirements for His dwelling place and the divinely ordained means by which a holy God would be approached by a sinful people through atonement and purification.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 35:16 is strategically positioned within the broader narrative concerning the Tabernacle's construction, following the detailed architectural blueprints divinely revealed to Moses on Mount Sinai in [Exodus 25-31](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25-31 - Tabernacle Blueprints"). This section marks a crucial return to the Tabernacle project after the profound disruption of the golden calf apostasy in [Exodus 32](/exodus/32 "Exodus 32 - The Golden Calf Incident") and Moses' subsequent intercession and the renewal of God's covenant with Israel in [Exodus 33-34](/exodus/33 "Exodus 33-34 - Covenant Renewal and Moses' Intercession"). Moses convenes the entire assembly of Israel in [Exodus 35:1-3](/exodus/35-1 "Exodus 35:1-3 - Sabbath and Offerings") to reiterate the Sabbath command, a foundational sign of the covenant, and then issues a compelling call for freewill offerings to fund and furnish the sacred structure in [Exodus 35:4-9](/exodus/35-4 "Exodus 35:4-9 - Call for Freewill Offerings"). Verses [Exodus 35:10-19](/exodus/35-10 "Exodus 35:10-19 - Summary of Tabernacle Components") then present a comprehensive, itemized summary of all the components to be crafted for the Tabernacle, serving as a practical checklist for the skilled artisans and a reaffirmation of God's precise design. Our verse, [Exodus 35:16](/exodus/35-16 "Exodus 35:16 - Courtyard Furnishings"), specifically delineates the critical elements of the outer courtyard, highlighting their foundational importance as the initial points of interaction for anyone seeking to draw near to God.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites, having recently experienced a miraculous liberation from centuries of Egyptian bondage, were a nascent nation embarking on a transformative journey through the wilderness. In this nomadic existence, the Tabernacle served as the tangible manifestation of Yahweh's immanent presence among His covenant people, a portable sacred space that moved with the camp. In the broader ancient Near Eastern context, temples were paramount to a nation's identity and worship, understood as the dwelling places of their deities. For Israel, however, the Tabernacle uniquely symbolized Yahweh's singular covenant faithfulness and His holy presence, distinctly setting Him apart from the polytheistic deities of surrounding cultures. The specific items enumerated in [Exodus 35:16](/exodus/35-16 "Exodus 35:16 - Altar and Laver Details")—the altar and the laver—were not merely functional pieces of furniture but held profound symbolic weight within the Israelite sacrificial system and priestly rituals. The altar was the central locus of blood atonement, a concept absolutely foundational to their understanding of sin, forgiveness, and reconciliation, as extensively detailed in [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "Leviticus - Laws of Sacrifice and Purity"). The laver, designated for priestly ablutions, underscored the absolute necessity of ritual purity for those ministering in God's holy presence, a theme common in ancient religious practices but uniquely commanded by Yahweh for His consecrated priests. These elements collectively established the divinely prescribed means by which a holy God could dwell among and be approached by an imperfect, yet redeemed, people.

* **Key Themes:** Exodus 35:16 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus and the Pentateuch. Foremost is the theme of **God's Holiness and Accessibility**. The detailed instructions for the altar and laver underscore God's absolute purity and the strict requirements for approaching Him, yet simultaneously reveal His gracious provision for sinful humanity to draw near through prescribed means. This tension between divine holiness and human sinfulness is resolved through the sacrificial system. Another key theme is **Divine Design and Human Obedience**. Every specification, down to the "brasen grate" and "laver's foot," emphasizes that God's plan is meticulously detailed and requires precise obedience from His people. This theme is echoed throughout the Tabernacle construction narrative, culminating in the repeated phrase "as the Lord commanded Moses" (e.g., [Exodus 39:32](/exodus/39-32 "Exodus 39:32 - Completion of Tabernacle")). The verse also highlights the theme of **Atonement and Purification**, which are central to Israel's worship. The altar points to the necessity of a blood sacrifice for sin, while the laver emphasizes the ongoing need for ceremonial and spiritual cleansing, a dual requirement for fellowship with God found throughout the Old Testament sacrificial laws (e.g., [Leviticus 17:11](/leviticus/17-11 "Leviticus 17:11 - Life in the Blood")). These themes collectively establish the theological framework for Israel's worship and their covenant relationship with Yahweh.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Altar (Hebrew, _mizbêach'_):** From the root meaning "to slaughter" or "to sacrifice," this term (H4196) refers to a sacred structure, specifically an "altar," where offerings were presented to God. In the context of the Tabernacle's outer courtyard, this was the primary site for the "burnt offering" (H5930, _ʻôlâh'_), which signifies a "holocaust" or a sacrifice that "goes up in smoke," indicating its complete consumption by fire and ascent to God. The altar of burnt offering was therefore the central point of atonement, symbolizing the essential act of reconciliation with God through the shedding of blood and the complete dedication of the offering.
* **Vessels (Hebrew, _kᵉlîy'_):** This broad term (H3627) encompasses "any apparatus" or "implement," including "utensil, dress, vessel, or weapon." In Exodus 35:16, "all his vessels" specifically refers to the various tools and implements associated with the altar of burnt offering, such as pans for ashes, shovels, basins for collecting blood, and forks for handling the sacrificial meat. Their inclusion underscores the comprehensive nature of God's design, ensuring that every aspect of the sacrificial ritual could be performed with precision and ritual cleanliness.
* **Laver (Hebrew, _kîyôwr'_):** This word (H3595), derived from a root suggesting something "round" or "excavated," specifically denotes a "washbowl" or "basin." In the Tabernacle, the laver was a large bronze basin used by the priests for washing their hands and feet before ministering. Its purpose was ceremonial purification, highlighting the absolute necessity of ritual cleanliness and holiness for those who would serve in the presence of God. The accompanying "foot" (H3653, _kên'_), meaning a "stand" or "pedestal," provided stability for this essential piece of equipment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The altar of burnt offering":** This phrase introduces the central piece of furniture in the Tabernacle's outer courtyard. It was a substantial, hollow structure made of acacia wood overlaid with bronze, designed as the site for animal sacrifices. Its primary function was to facilitate atonement for the sins of the people and the priests, symbolizing God's gracious provision for dealing with sin through substitutionary sacrifice. It served as the initial, indispensable point of approach for anyone seeking to draw near to God.
* **"with his brasen grate, his staves, and all his vessels":** This clause meticulously details the essential components and accessories associated with the altar. The "brasen grate" (bronze grating) was crucial for the efficient burning of sacrifices, allowing ashes and fat to fall through. The "staves" (poles) were integral for carrying the altar, emphasizing its portability as the Israelites journeyed through the wilderness. "All his vessels" encompasses the various bronze implements used in the sacrificial process, such as pans for ashes, shovels, basins for catching blood, and forks for handling meat. This comprehensive listing highlights the completeness and functionality of God's design, ensuring that every aspect of the sacrificial ritual could be performed precisely as commanded, leaving no room for improvisation or deficiency.
* **"the laver and his foot":** This refers to the second major piece of courtyard furniture. The "laver" was a large bronze basin filled with water, positioned between the altar and the Tabernacle entrance. It was specifically designated for the priests (Aaron and his sons) to wash their hands and feet before ministering ([Exodus 30:17-21](/exodus/30-17 "Exodus 30:17-21 - The Laver's Purpose and Ritual Washing")). This act of washing symbolized the required purification and holiness for those serving God. The "foot" refers to its sturdy base or stand, providing stability for the heavy basin, once again underscoring the practical and complete nature of the divine blueprint for every aspect of the Tabernacle's operation.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 35:16 employs several literary devices to convey its profound meaning and underscore its significance. **Merism** is prominently featured in the comprehensive listing of specific parts ("brasen grate, his staves, and all his vessels," "the laver and his foot") to represent the entirety of the altar and laver's accessories. This detailed enumeration emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's instructions and the meticulousness required in the Tabernacle's construction, leaving no aspect to human discretion or omission. **Metonymy** is also present, where the furnishings themselves stand for their deeper function and theological significance; the "altar of burnt offering" is not merely a physical structure but represents the entire system of atonement and sacrifice, while the "laver" embodies the principle of purification and ceremonial cleansing. Finally, profound **Symbolism** permeates the verse. The altar symbolizes the absolute necessity of atonement and the shedding of blood for the remission of sins, pointing to the gravity of sin and the cost of reconciliation. Conversely, the laver symbolizes the indispensable need for spiritual cleansing and purity before approaching a holy God. These devices collectively reinforce the divine precision, the sacred purpose, and the deep theological truths embedded in every minute detail of the Tabernacle's construction, guiding Israel in their worship and understanding of God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 35:16, by meticulously detailing the altar of burnt offering and the laver, profoundly encapsulates core theological truths central to Israel's covenant relationship with God. The altar signifies the absolute necessity of blood atonement for sin, establishing the foundational principle that reconciliation with a holy God is impossible without a divinely provided sacrifice. It powerfully foreshadows the truth that "without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness" ([Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Necessity of Blood for Forgiveness")). The laver, on the other hand, highlights the equally vital need for purification and sanctification. It teaches that even after atonement, those who serve God must continually be cleansed, emphasizing the ongoing process of spiritual washing and holiness required for intimate fellowship and effective ministry. Together, these two pieces of furniture illustrate the dual aspects of God's comprehensive provision for human sin and impurity: the once-for-all sacrifice for guilt and the continuous cleansing for daily living and service.

* [Leviticus 16:16](/leviticus/16-16 "Leviticus 16:16 - Atonement for the Holy Place")
* [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Blood for Forgiveness")
* [Ephesians 5:26](/ephesians/5-26 "Ephesians 5:26 - Christ Cleansing the Church")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous details of Exodus 35:16, far from being mere architectural specifications, serve as profound and enduring spiritual lessons for believers today. They powerfully remind us that God is a God of order, precision, and absolute holiness, who desires to be approached on His terms, not ours. The altar, with its solemn call for sacrifice, compels us to reflect on the immense cost of our sin and the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ, which fully atoned for us. We no longer offer animal sacrifices, for Christ's work is complete, but we are now called to respond with lives of profound gratitude, presenting ourselves as "living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifice")). The laver, demanding priestly cleansing, speaks to our ongoing, daily need for purification. While Christ has made us positionally holy and righteous in God's sight, we are still called to walk in daily repentance, confessing our sins ([1 John 1:9](/1-john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Forgiveness")), and actively allowing the Word of God and the Holy Spirit to continually cleanse and sanctify us. This ongoing process enables us to draw near to God with clean hands and a pure heart, fostering deeper fellowship and more effective service. This verse thus challenges us to deeply consider both the completed, sufficient work of Christ on the cross and the continuing, transformative work of sanctification in our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail in God's instructions for the Tabernacle furnishings, as seen in this verse, inform your understanding of God's character and His expectations for worship?**
* **In what specific ways do the functions of the altar and the laver prefigure the comprehensive work of Christ in your personal salvation and ongoing spiritual life?**
* **What "cleansing" is necessary in your daily walk with God, beyond initial salvation, and how do you actively pursue it through spiritual disciplines?**
* **How does understanding the Tabernacle's purpose and its components deepen your appreciation for the direct and confident accessibility to God we now have through Christ?**

### FAQ
**Why are these specific details about the altar and laver so important to God?**

Answer: These details are crucial because they underscore God's absolute holiness, His meticulous nature, and His desire for worship to be conducted precisely according to His divine will. Every component of the Tabernacle and its furnishings was designed to teach Israel profound spiritual truths about sin, atonement, and purification. The Tabernacle was not merely a building but a living parable, a "copy and shadow of what is in heaven" ([Hebrews 8:5](/hebrews/8-5 "Hebrews 8:5 - Pattern of Heavenly Things")). The precision ensured that the people understood the gravity of approaching a holy God and the specific, divinely ordained means by which they could do so. It also prevented human innovation or syncretism with pagan practices, establishing a unique and holy pathway to God.

**What is the significance of the "brasen grate" and "laver's foot" being mentioned specifically?**

Answer: The specific mention of the "brasen grate" and "laver's foot" highlights the completeness and operational integrity of God's design. The "brasen grate" was not just an accessory but an essential part of the altar's function, ensuring the proper and efficient burning of the sacrifices, allowing for complete consumption and disposal of remnants. The "laver's foot" provided the necessary stability for the heavy basin, without which it could not reliably serve its purpose of priestly ablutions. Their inclusion demonstrates that God's instructions were exhaustive, covering not just the main items but every necessary component, no matter how seemingly small, to ensure the Tabernacle's full operational integrity and ritual correctness. It teaches us that every detail in God's plan has purpose and significance, contributing to the overall sanctity and functionality of His dwelling place.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 35:16, with its foundational focus on the altar of burnt offering and the laver, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The altar, where blood was shed for atonement, powerfully foreshadows the cross of Calvary, where the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") offered Himself as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice for the sins of humanity. Unlike the repeated animal sacrifices of the Old Covenant that could never truly take away sins ([Hebrews 10:4](/hebrews/10-4 "Hebrews 10:4 - Inadequacy of Animal Sacrifices")), Christ's single, perfect offering "perfected for all time those who are being sanctified" ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Sanctified Through Christ's Offering")). The laver, symbolizing the indispensable need for priestly washing and purification, points to the spiritual cleansing we receive through Christ. Through His atoning work, we are not only forgiven but also cleansed from all unrighteousness, as the "blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin" ([1 John 1:7](/1-john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Blood of Jesus Cleanses")). This cleansing is both a regenerative washing at conversion ([Titus 3:5](/titus/3-5 "Titus 3:5 - Washing of Regeneration")) and an ongoing sanctification through the "washing of water with the word" ([Ephesians 5:26-27](/ephesians/5-26 "Ephesians 5:26-27 - Christ Cleansing the Church")), enabling us to draw near to God with confidence, having been made holy and blameless in Him. Thus, the Tabernacle's courtyard furnishings beautifully illustrate the two indispensable aspects of salvation in Christ: His propitiatory sacrifice for our guilt and His purifying power for our lives.

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 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 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 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.