LIVING WATERS
For the proclamation of the Gospel and the edification of the Body of Christ
The Bronze Fountain
The laver was the second object in the court of the tabernacle. It was between the altar of burnt offering and the Holy Place. Unlike the other artifacts and furnishings of the tabernacle, its dimensions are not specified. It is only said that it was made of bronze, and that the priests were to wash their hands and feet in it so that they would not die while performing their service in the tabernacle.
Elsewhere it is said to have been made from the mirrors of the women of Israel (Ex. 38:8). This shows a trait of wonderful generosity on the part of the women, and an important renunciation. On the other hand, it is interesting that a mirror reflects the one who is looked at, but cannot alter his figure. It reveals defilement, but cannot remove it. So is also the law. Without grace, the believer remains halfway there.
The laver was full of water, that the priests might wash their hands and feet when they entered the Holy Place to worship, when they went out to the altar to serve. This speaks to us of the work that the Word and Spirit of God does in us. It is daily and absolutely necessary.
There were two kinds of washings: One, that which was done to consecrate the priests. This washing was done once and forever (Ex. 29:4 refers to the washing of the whole body), and corresponds to the "washing of regeneration" (Titus 3:5) of the Spirit, by which we are born again. The second, was the constant washing, because daily they were soiled performing the offices of their ministry.
No priest could minister without washing. This is a truth applicable not only to those in the Old Covenant, but to all the priests of God, past and present. Dust soiled their hands and feet; so it is with believers today. For such a case, God has provided the washing of water by the Word. "Already you are clean through the word which I have spoken to you", said the Lord to His disciples (John 15:3). "Christ loved the church, and gave himself for it, that he might sanctify it, having cleansed it with the washing of water by the word" (Eph. 5:25-26).
The priests had the right to minister to the Lord because they were empowered by the blood of the sacrifice, but in order to exercise that right they needed the water of washing. The blood of Christ cleanses us from our sins, while the water cleanses us from the dust of the wilderness of this world.
The Christian must walk in the light, judging his old habits, and cleansing himself in all his works and ways by the word of God, if he is to have communion with God. The Word is the means by which the Lord keeps his people clean, with a fresh, pure communion.
From the side of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross flowed blood and water, which brings together these two aspects of God's salvation. Blood for reconciliation with God, and water for cleansing, communion and ministering before God.