Exodus 40:11

Exodus 40:11 KJV is part of the climactic conclusion of the Book of Exodus, detailing the final instructions for the setting up and consecration of the Tabernacle and its sacred furnishings. This verse specifically commands the anointing and sanctification of the laver, a crucial item in the Tabernacle courtyard.

Context

The entire chapter of Exodus 40 describes the fulfillment of God's meticulous instructions for constructing and erecting the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary where God's presence would dwell among the Israelites. Moses is commanded to assemble all its parts and dedicate each sacred vessel. The laver, a large basin with a stand ("his foot"), was positioned between the Tent of Meeting and the altar of burnt offering. Its primary purpose, as described in Exodus 30:19-21, was for the priests, Aaron and his sons, to wash their hands and feet before entering the Tabernacle or approaching the altar to minister. This act of washing was essential for their purity and to avoid death in God's holy presence.

Key Themes

• Holiness and Purity: The anointing and sanctification of the laver underscore the absolute necessity of ritual purity and spiritual cleanliness for those who would approach and serve a holy God. The laver itself facilitated this vital purification for the priests.
• Consecration and Dedication: The command to "anoint" (Hebrew: mashach, meaning to smear with oil, to consecrate) and "sanctify" (Hebrew: qadash, meaning to set apart as holy) signifies the setting apart of the laver for exclusive, sacred use in God's service. Every item in the Tabernacle had to be dedicated in this manner.
• Divine Instruction and Obedience: This verse, like many others in Exodus, highlights Moses' unwavering obedience to God's precise and detailed commands regarding the Tabernacle's construction and operation. This obedience was crucial for ensuring the Tabernacle functioned as God intended.
• Preparation for Ministry: The laver was not merely an ornate basin; it was an indispensable tool for priestly ministry. Its anointing and sanctification prepared it for its role in enabling the priests to serve without defilement.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "anoint" is mashach (מָשַׁח), which refers to the act of smearing or rubbing with oil. This act was a powerful symbol of consecration, setting an object or person apart for a sacred purpose or office. The term "sanctify" comes from the Hebrew qadash (קָדַשׁ), meaning to make holy, to declare clean, or to dedicate as sacred. Both terms emphasize the divine separation and purification required for anything associated with God's dwelling place and service.

Practical Application

While the physical laver and its rituals belong to the Old Covenant, the principles of purity and consecration remain profoundly relevant for believers today. The need for the priests to wash points to the spiritual cleansing necessary for all who approach God. Believers are considered a "royal priesthood" through Christ. Just as the priests needed to be cleansed, we are called to live a life of spiritual purity, constantly confessing our sins and seeking to be set apart for God's purposes. The laver reminds us that diligent preparation and a commitment to holiness are essential for effective service and fellowship with God.