A Study of the Tabernacle—Part 6

The Bronze Laver

“Cleanliness is next to Godliness.” How many times have you heard this statement? You will find this verse right next to the one that says, “God helps those who help themselves.” Neither of these are really Scripture, but the concept of this first statement can easily be supported. Over and over again there is an emphasis in the Scriptures on our necessity to be washed in order to dwell in the presence of God. David begged God to wash him clean and remove his sin after his affair with Bathsheba and murder of her husband (Psalm 51:2, 7, 10); John the Baptist called people to “a baptism (washing) of repentance for forgiveness of sins” (Luke 3:3). Jesus told Peter during the last meal He had with His disciples prior to being taken and killed, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me” (John 13:8). Paul was told by Ananias, “Arise, and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name” (Acts 22:16).

The need to be clean to dwell in the presence of God is a message taught as early as the construction of the tabernacle. God instructed the Israelites to build a laver of bronze that was placed between the altar of burnt offerings and the tent of meeting. Moses writes, “And Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet from it; when they enter the tent of meeting, they shall wash with water, that they may not die; or when they approach the altar to minister, by offering up in smoke a fire sacrifice to the Lord” (Exodus 30:19-20). The message here is simple: Be washed before you enter into the presence of God, or DIE! Approaching God’s altar or His dwelling place is not something to take lightly. Without proper preparation, it is a dangerous place to be!

It is interesting that the washing of water is not a once-for-all-time act. God knows His priesthood is going to need a continual cleansing and requires them to learn this lesson by what He requires at the Tabernacle. It is not that God will have nothing to do with them when they are unclean. The altar of burnt offering provides the means to be cleansed from their sin. Like the father of the Prodigal son, God runs to the unclean child who shows repentance and dresses them in a new robe, killing the fattened calf in order to fellowship with them. However, there is a respect for the holiness of God that must never be forgotten. While He runs to the child who chooses to repent from living among the unclean pigs, He still demands our efforts to show respect for His holiness before we barge into His presence.

Once again, Jesus is the fulfillment of what God requires at the Tabernacle. John tells us, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (I John 1:9). The cleansing by Jesus is perpetual and allows us into the presence of God. What the Tabernacle points to is fulfilled once-and-for-all in Jesus. As the Scriptures reveal, being washed is vital! How wonderful that God satisfies His own requirement and our need through Jesus!

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-Scott