Exodus 30:17 - Meaning and Application

Orders are given here for making a laver, or basin, of bronze, a large vessel that could hold plenty of water. It was to stand near the entrance of the tabernacle, and its bronze base was likely made to catch the water as it flowed out by spouts or taps (Exodus 30:18). Then the priests had a laver to wash in, but now there is, for Judah and Jerusalem, an open fountain to wash in, a fountain that never runs dry, a clear picture of the life-giving cleansing God provides (Zechariah 13:1).

Orders are also given for using this laver. Aaron and his sons were to wash their hands and feet there every time they went in to serve, and at least every morning (Exodus 30:19-21). Fresh water was put in the laver each day for this purpose. Even if they had already washed well at home, that was not enough, because they had to wash at the place God had appointed for washing (2 Kings 5:12-14).

This taught them to serve with purity and to treat God’s holiness with reverence, while also fearing the stain of sin. They were not only to be washed when they were first set apart for God, but to keep washing whenever they came in to minister. Only the one with clean hands and a pure heart may stand in God’s holy place (Psalm 24:3-4).

It also teaches us, who come before God each day, to renew our repentance every day and to keep trusting the blood of Christ for forgiveness. We sin in many things each day and keep gathering fresh defilement, so we need this daily cleansing (John 13:8, 13:10; James 3:2). This is the preparation we should make before solemn worship. “Cleanse your hands and purify your hearts,” and then draw near to God (James 4:8). David points to the same duty when he says, “I will wash my hands in innocence, and so I will go around your altar, Lord” (Psalm 26:6).