Exodus 40:7
And place the basin between the Tent of Meeting and the altar, and put water in it.
And place the basin

The bronze basin, or laver, provided water for the priests’ ceremonial washing. Its durable construction and purpose emphasized the holiness required in service before the Lord.

Exo 30:18 You are to make a bronze basin with a bronze stand…
Exo 38:8 Next he made the bronze basin and its stand…

between the Tent of Meeting and the altar,

Positioned between the altar of sacrifice and the entrance to the Tabernacle, the basin marked cleansing as necessary for those who ministered before God. The priests washed after approaching the altar and before entering the Tent of Meeting.

Lev 1:3-5 If his offering is a burnt offering from the herd,…
Exo 29:4 Then present Aaron and his sons at the entrance…
Exo 27:1-8 You are to build an altar of acacia wood.…

and put water in it.

The water supplied for washing hands and feet prepared Aaron and his sons for their priestly duties. This continual cleansing pictured the need for purity in approaching God and serving in His presence.

Exo 30:19-21 with which Aaron and his sons are to wash…
Lev 8:6 Then Moses presented Aaron and his sons.…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The leader of the Israelites, chosen by God to lead His people out of Egypt and to receive the Law. He is responsible for setting up the Tabernacle as instructed by God.

2. The Tent of Meeting
Also known as the Tabernacle, this was the portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites. It was a central place for worship and sacrifices.

3. The Altar
Specifically, the altar of burnt offering, which was used for sacrifices. It was located in the courtyard of the Tabernacle.

4. The Basin
A large bronze laver used for ceremonial washing by the priests. It was placed between the Tent of Meeting and the altar.

5. The Israelites
The chosen people of God, who were being led through the wilderness to the Promised Land. They were to follow the laws and instructions given by God through Moses.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Purity
The placement of the basin signifies the necessity of purification before approaching God. Just as the priests needed to wash before entering the Tent of Meeting, we must seek spiritual cleansing through repentance and faith in Christ.

Symbolism of Water
Water is a powerful symbol of cleansing and renewal. In the New Testament, baptism represents the washing away of sins and the beginning of a new life in Christ.

Obedience to God's Instructions
Moses' careful adherence to God's instructions for setting up the Tabernacle teaches us the importance of obedience in our walk with God. We are called to follow His Word diligently.

The Role of the Mediator
Moses acted as a mediator between God and the Israelites, foreshadowing Christ, our ultimate Mediator, who provides us access to God through His sacrifice.

Preparation for Worship
The physical preparation of the Tabernacle and its elements reminds us of the need to prepare our hearts and minds for worship, ensuring we approach God with reverence and humility.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the placement of the basin between the Tent of Meeting and the altar reflect the need for purification before approaching God?

2. In what ways does the role of Moses in setting up the Tabernacle parallel the role of Christ as our Mediator?

3. How can the symbolism of water in the Old Testament rituals be applied to our understanding of baptism and spiritual cleansing today?

4. What lessons can we learn from Moses' obedience to God's detailed instructions, and how can we apply these lessons in our daily lives?

5. How does the concept of preparation for worship in the Old Testament inform our approach to worship in the New Testament context?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Leviticus 8:6
This verse describes the washing of Aaron and his sons, which is a direct application of the use of the basin for ceremonial cleansing.

John 13:10
Jesus washes the disciples' feet, symbolizing spiritual cleansing, which connects to the purpose of the basin for purification.

Hebrews 10:22
This verse speaks of drawing near to God with a sincere heart and having our bodies washed with pure water, echoing the cleansing rituals of the Old Testament.
The Erection of the TabernacleJ. Urquhart Exodus 40:1-33
The Tabernacle Set UpJ. Orr Exodus 40:1-33
Tabernacle ForeshadowingsW. M. Taylor, D. D.Exodus 40:1-38
The Primary and Universal Obligation to the Worship of JehovahJ. Allport.Exodus 40:1-38
The Setting Up of the Tabernacle on New Year's DayC. P. Eyre, M. A.Exodus 40:1-38
People
Aaron, Israelites, Moses
Places
Sinai
Topics
Altar, Basin, Congregation, Hast, Laver, Meeting, Tent, Therein, Washing-vessel
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Exodus 40:6-7

     7474   Tent of Meeting

Library
July 7. "And the Glory of the Lord Filled the Tabernacle" (Ex. Xl. 35).
"And the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle" (Ex. xl. 35). In the last chapter of Exodus we read all the Lord commanded Moses to do, and that as he fulfilled these commands the glory of the Lord descended and filled the tabernacle till there was no room for Moses, and from that time the pillar of cloud overshadowed them, their guide, their protection. And so we have been building as the Lord Himself commanded, and now the temple is to be handed over to Him to be possessed and filled. He will
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

The Copies of Things in the Heavens
'And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 2. On the first day of the first month shalt thou set up the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation. 3. And thou shalt put therein the ark of the testimony, and cover the ark with the vail. 4. And thou shalt bring in the table, and set in order the things that are to be set in order upon it; and thou shalt bring in the candlestick, and light the lamps thereof. 5. And thou shalt set the altar of gold for the incense before the ark of the testimony, and put
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Appendix viii. Rabbinic Traditions About Elijah, the Forerunner of the Messiah
To complete the evidence, presented in the text, as to the essential difference between the teaching of the ancient Synagogue about the Forerunner of the Messiah' and the history and mission of John the Baptist, as described in the New Testaments, we subjoin a full, though condensed, account of the earlier Rabbinic traditions about Elijah. Opinions differ as to the descent and birthplace of Elijah. According to some, he was from the land of Gilead (Bemid. R. 14), and of the tribe of Gad (Tanch. on
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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