Exodus 30:20

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Exodus 30:17-21

Orders are here given, 1. For the making of a laver, or font, of brass, a large vessel, that would contain a good quantity of water, which was to be set near the door of the tabernacle, Exod. 30:18. The foot of brass, it is supposed, was so contrived as to receive the water, which was let into it out of the laver by spouts or cocks. They then had a laver for the priests only to wash in, but to us now there is a fountain open for Judah and Jerusalem to wash in (Zech. 13:1), an inexhaustible... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Exodus 30:20

When they go into the tabernacle of the congregation, they shall wash with water ,.... The laver standing near the door of the tabernacle, they washed at it as soon as they entered; and no man, we are told F3 Misn. Yoma, c. 3. sect. 3. , entered into the court before he washed, even though he was clean; though he had contracted no filthiness, and even though he had washed his hands and feet at home, he was obliged to do it when he went into the tabernacle, before he attempted to... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 30:20

They shall wash with water, that they die not - This was certainly an emblematical washing; and as the hands and the feet are particularly mentioned, it must refer to the purity of their whole conduct. Their hands - all their works, their feet - all their goings, must be washed - must be holiness unto the Lord. And this washing must be repeated every time they entered into the tabernacle, or when they came near to the altar to minister. This washing was needful because the priests all... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 30:1-38

The golden altar and the perfume. The golden altar was of small dimensions, a cubit in length, a cubit in breadth, and two cubits high. It was a true altar, as shown by its square shape, and by its horns. Its place was immediately in front of the vail dividing the two portions of the sanctuary, with the innermost or' which—the holy of holies—it was regarded as having the more intimate connection ( 1 Kings 6:22 ; Hebrews 9:4 ). The command was that Aaron should burn upon it sweet... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 30:17-21

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 30:17-34

The laver and the anointing oil. I. THE LAVER ( Exodus 30:17-22 ). This was to be made of brass (bronze), and was to be placed near the door of the tabernacle between it and the altar. It was to be used by Aaron and his sons for purposes of ablution. A new symbol of the purity required in those who serve before Jehovah. The Christian contracts daily defilements in his walk, for which also daily cleansing is required (cf. John 13:10 ; 1 John 1:7 ). II. THE ANOINTING ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 30:18-21

The Brazen Laver. Primarily, the brazen altar has its antitype in THE CHRISTIAN FONT . "Baptism saves us," says St. Peter ( 1 Peter 3:21 ). "Arise and be baptised, and wash away thy sins," said Ananias ( Acts 22:16 ). "There is one baptism for the remission of sins," said the Nicene Fathers. As the priests had to wash at the laver ere they might enter the sanctuary, so entrance into the Church, by the institution of Christ, is by baptism. To wash, of course, is by itself not... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 30:20

That they die not . Compare Exodus 28:35 and Exodus 28:43 . Contempt of the simple and easy regulation to wash at the laver would imply contempt of purity itself; and so an entire hypocrisy of life and character, than which nothing could be a greater offence to God. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Exodus 30:17-21

Exodus 38:8. The bronze for the “Laver of brass” and its foot was supplied from the bronze mirrors of the women who voluntarily gave up these articles of luxury. Bronze mirrors were much used by the ancient Egyptians. No hint is given as to the form of the laver. The brazen sea and the ten lavers that served the same purpose in the temple of Solomon, were elaborately worked in artistic designs and are minutely described 1 Kings 7:23-29.Exodus 30:19Wash their hands and their feet - On certain... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Exodus 30:17-21

Bronze laver (30:17-21)The laver was a large basin in which the priests washed their hands and feet before either entering the Holy Place or administering the sacrifices. No doubt they needed to wash again after offering the sacrifices (cf. 2 Chronicles 4:6). Such washing, apart from its practical benefits, had symbolic significance, since cleansing from all uncleanness was necessary for acceptable service for God (17-21).No details are given concerning the shape or size of the laver, though it... read more

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