Exodus 40:7

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt set {H5414} the laver {H3595} between the tent {H168} of the congregation {H4150} and the altar {H4196}, and shalt put {H5414} water {H4325} therein.

Complete Jewish Bible

Set the basin between the tent of meeting and the altar, and put water in it.

Berean Standard Bible

And place the basin between the Tent of Meeting and the altar, and put water in it.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 40:7 precisely details the divinely ordained placement of the bronze laver within the Tabernacle's outer court. This instruction, part of the meticulous commands for the sanctuary's final assembly, underscores God's unwavering demand for ritual purity and holiness from His priests. The laver's strategic position between the altar of burnt offering and the Tent of Meeting emphasized the indispensable role of cleansing after dealing with sin and before entering God's immediate presence, thereby highlighting the absolute necessity of sanctification for divine communion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Exodus 40 serves as the climactic conclusion to the detailed instructions and subsequent construction of the Tabernacle, a narrative thread meticulously woven throughout the latter half of the book, beginning in [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle"). This chapter meticulously records Moses' faithful execution of every divine command concerning the Tabernacle's erection and the anointing of its components and priests. Verses 1-15 provide the specific sequence for setting up the sanctuary, from the framework to the furnishings. Verse 7 specifically dictates the placement of the laver, following the setting up of the altar of burnt offering (verse 6) and preceding the anointing of the Tent of Meeting (verse 9). The entire chapter culminates in the awe-inspiring manifestation of God's glory, which descends to fill the completed Tabernacle, signifying His dwelling among His people, as powerfully depicted in [Exodus 40:34-35](/exodus/40-34-35 "Exodus 40:34-35 - The Glory of the Lord Fills the Tabernacle").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Tabernacle was not merely a structure but a portable, sacred space designed by God as the tangible symbol of His presence among the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings. Its design, rituals, and the precise placement of its elements, though uniquely revealed by Yahweh, resonated with ancient Near Eastern concepts of sacred space and divine accessibility, yet stood in stark contrast to pagan practices. The laver's placement, "between the tent of the congregation and the altar," was functionally and symbolically crucial. The [altar of burnt offering](/exodus/27-1 "Exodus 27:1 - The Altar of Burnt Offering"), situated in the outer court, was where sacrifices were made to atone for sin, addressing the fundamental barrier between a holy God and sinful humanity. The [Tent of Meeting](/exodus/26-1 "Exodus 26:1 - The Tent of Meeting"), or Tent of the Congregation, containing the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place, represented the direct dwelling place of God. Therefore, the laver served as an essential intermediary, ensuring that priests underwent ritual cleansing *after* dealing with the defilement of sin (at the altar) but *before* entering the immediate presence of God. This arrangement powerfully underscored the absolute necessity of purity and holiness for divine encounter, a principle foundational to ancient Israelite worship and distinct from the often-impure rituals of surrounding cultures.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, within the broader context of Exodus, contributes significantly to several key themes. It highlights the theme of **Divine Order and Meticulousness**, demonstrating God's precise and detailed instructions for every aspect of worship and His dwelling place. The placement of the laver emphasizes the theme of **Holiness and Purity**, revealing God's unyielding demand for ceremonial and moral cleanness from those who would serve Him and approach His presence. It underscores that access to God is not casual but requires a divinely ordained process of purification. Furthermore, the laver's function contributes to the theme of **Atonement and Sanctification**, illustrating the sequence in which sin must first be dealt with (at the altar) before purification for service and communion can occur. This physical arrangement visually teaches the spiritual journey from initial cleansing from sin to ongoing sanctification for fellowship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Laver (Hebrew, _kîyôwr_):** This Hebrew term (H3595) refers to a round basin or washbowl, often made of bronze. In the Tabernacle, it was specifically designed for the priests to wash their hands and feet, a mandatory ritual before performing their sacred duties at the altar or entering the Tent of Meeting (as commanded in [Exodus 30:18-21](/exodus/30-18 "Exodus 30:18-21 - Command for the Laver")). Its construction from the polished bronze mirrors of the Israelite women (mentioned in [Exodus 38:8](/exodus/38-8 "Exodus 38:8 - Laver Made from Mirrors")) adds a layer of symbolic depth, perhaps suggesting self-reflection and the need for internal purity.
* **Tent of the congregation (Hebrew, _ʼôhel môwʻêd_):** This compound Hebrew term (H168, H4150), often translated as "Tent of Meeting," refers to the portable sanctuary itself. The word _ʼôhel_ signifies a "tent" or "dwelling," while _môwʻêd_ denotes an "appointed time" or "appointed place of meeting." Thus, it was the designated place where God would meet with Moses and commune with His people. It housed the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place, representing the very dwelling place of God's tangible presence among Israel.
* **Altar (Hebrew, _mizbêach_):** This term (H4196) refers specifically to the altar of burnt offering, located in the outer court of the Tabernacle. Derived from a root meaning "to sacrifice," it was the primary place where animal sacrifices were offered to God for the atonement of sins. This altar served as the initial point of interaction for an Israelite seeking to approach God, symbolizing the foundational requirement of sacrifice to address sin before any further communion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt set the laver between the tent of the congregation and the altar":** This clause provides the precise, divinely ordained location for the laver within the Tabernacle's outer court. Its placement was not arbitrary but strategically positioned as an intermediary point. Priests would first approach the altar of burnt offering (where sin was atoned for through sacrifice), then proceed to the laver for ritual cleansing, and only then could they enter the Tent of Meeting (where God's presence dwelt). This physical arrangement visually and functionally communicated the necessary sequence: atonement for sin, followed by purification from defilement, as prerequisites for access to and service before a holy God.
* **"and shalt put water therein":** This simple yet crucial command highlights the functional purpose of the laver. It was not merely a symbolic fixture but a practical vessel designed to hold water, the essential medium for the required ritual washing. The presence of water signifies the practical means by which the priests were to achieve the necessary ritual purity before engaging in their sacred service, underscoring the constant and tangible need for cleansing from ceremonial and moral impurities.

#### Literary Devices
Exodus 40:7 employs several significant literary devices to convey its profound theological meaning. **Divine Command** is pervasive, with the imperative verbs "shalt set" and "shalt put" underscoring God's direct, authoritative instruction for the Tabernacle's construction. This emphasizes His meticulous nature and the absolute necessity of adhering to His precise will in worship. **Symbolism** is paramount, as the laver itself stands as a powerful symbol of purification, sanctification, and holiness. The water it contained represents cleansing, while its strategic placement symbolizes the required spiritual journey from atonement (at the altar) to sanctification (at the laver) before communion with a holy God (in the Tent of Meeting). Furthermore, the entire Tabernacle system, including the laver, functions as **Typology**, foreshadowing greater spiritual realities. The physical cleansing required for the Old Covenant priests points forward to the spiritual cleansing necessary for all believers in the New Covenant, ultimately achieved through the atoning and sanctifying work of Christ. The precise spatial arrangement also exemplifies **Architectural Theology**, where the physical layout of the sacred space communicates profound theological truths about God's character and the pathway to His presence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 40:7, in its description of the laver's placement and purpose, profoundly underscores the biblical theme of holiness and the absolute necessity of purification for communion with God. It reveals that access to God is not casual but requires a divinely appointed means of cleansing, a principle that transcends the Old Covenant ritual and finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ. The strategic positioning of the laver between the altar of sacrifice and the Tent of Meeting visually teaches that atonement for sin must precede purification, and both are prerequisites for approaching the Holy One. This sequence highlights God's unyielding demand for purity from those who would serve Him, demonstrating that even after sin is dealt with, defilement must be washed away to maintain intimate fellowship.

* [Exodus 30:18-21](/exodus/30-18-21 "Exodus 30:18-21 - The Command for the Laver and its Purpose")
* [Psalm 24:3-4](/psalm/24-3-4 "Psalm 24:3-4 - Who May Ascend the Hill of the Lord?")
* [Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Drawing Near with a True Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The ancient command concerning the laver in Exodus 40:7, while part of a superseded covenant, offers enduring spiritual principles for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that approaching a holy God always necessitates a form of cleansing. While we no longer perform ritual washings, the spiritual reality remains: our fellowship with God requires ongoing purification from the defilements of sin. This is not about earning God's favor, but about maintaining the purity of relationship that Christ has already established for us. Just as the priests needed to wash repeatedly, we too need daily spiritual cleansing through confession and the renewing power of God's Word and the Holy Spirit. The laver's position reminds us that cleansing follows atonement, meaning our daily walk of sanctification flows from the finished work of Christ on the cross. It calls us to a life of intentional purity, recognizing that our access to God is precious and demands reverence, humility, and a commitment to living in a way that honors His holiness. This daily "washing" involves examining our hearts, confessing our sins, and allowing the truth of God's Word to purify our thoughts and actions, enabling us to walk in closer fellowship with Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the strategic placement of the laver in the Tabernacle inform your understanding of the sequence of salvation and sanctification in your own life?**
* **In what ways do you currently practice "spiritual washing" in your daily walk with God, and how might you deepen this practice?**
* **Considering the laver's purpose, what does it teach us about the importance of purity and reverence in our approach to worship and service?**

### FAQ
**Why was the laver placed specifically "between the tent of the congregation and the altar"?**

Answer: The placement of the laver was divinely strategic, not arbitrary, and held profound symbolic and functional significance. The [altar of burnt offering](/exodus/27-1 "Exodus 27:1 - The Altar of Burnt Offering") was where animal sacrifices were made to atone for sin, representing the initial step of dealing with humanity's fallen state and the penalty of sin. The [Tent of Meeting](/exodus/26-1 "Exodus 26:1 - The Tent of Meeting") (or Tent of the Congregation) was where God's presence dwelt, signifying direct communion and intimate fellowship. Therefore, the laver was positioned as an essential intermediary step. Priests had to pass the altar, then wash at the laver, *before* entering the Tent of Meeting. This sequence visually and functionally taught that while atonement (at the altar) dealt with the penalty of sin, purification (at the laver) was necessary for ceremonial and moral defilement, ensuring that those who drew near to God were ritually and symbolically clean. It underscored the principle that holiness is required for intimate fellowship with a holy God, and that both expiation and purification are necessary for access to His presence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The bronze laver, strategically positioned for cleansing before entering God's holy presence, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Old Covenant priests required repeated physical washings because their own righteousness was insufficient, and the sacrifices they offered were imperfect and temporary, only covering sins ceremonially. However, Jesus, our great High Priest, offered Himself as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice, providing complete and eternal atonement for sin (as described in [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice and Cleansing")). His shed blood is the true "water" that cleanses us not merely outwardly, but spiritually and eternally, washing away our sins and making us righteous before God (as celebrated in [Revelation 1:5](/revelation/1-5 "Revelation 1:5 - Washed by His Blood")). Furthermore, the laver's purpose of daily cleansing for service is echoed in Christ's teaching on ongoing sanctification. While we are declared "clean" through His finished work on the cross (as Jesus told Peter in [John 13:10](/john/13-10 "John 13:10 - Jesus Washes Feet")), we still need daily purification from the defilements of the world and the flesh. This ongoing cleansing is achieved through confession of sin ([1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession of Sins")), the sanctifying power of God's Word ([Ephesians 5:26](/ephesians/5-26 "Ephesians 5:26 - Cleansing by the Word")), and the indwelling work of the Holy Spirit ([Titus 3:5](/titus/3-5 "Titus 3:5 - Washing of Regeneration and Renewal by the Holy Spirit")). Thus, the laver points to Christ as the source of both our initial justification and our ongoing sanctification, enabling us to draw near to God with confidence through a new and living way ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Drawing Near with a True Heart")).

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

1 John 1:7

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

Zechariah 13:1

¶ In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness.

Hebrews 10:22

Let us 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.

Titus 3:5

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

Psalms 26:6

¶ I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O LORD:

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.