Exodus 40:7 - You shall set the basin between the Tent of Meeting and the altar, and shall put water therein.

Generated Verse: Exodus 40:7

What does "Exodus 40:7" mean?


Exodus 40:7 instructs Moses on the placement and function of the bronze basin (or laver) in the Tabernacle courtyard. Let's break down the meaning:

"You shall set the basin between the Tent of Meeting and the altar...": This specifies the exact location of the basin. The "Tent of Meeting" (also called the Tabernacle) was the dwelling place of God's presence and where sacrifices were offered. The "altar" was the bronze altar of burnt offering, where animals were sacrificed. Positioning the basin between these two key locations emphasized its importance in the process of approaching God. It was a necessary intermediary step.

"...and shall put water therein.": This simply states that the basin was to be filled with water. This water was not ordinary water, but water set apart for a sacred purpose.

Overall Meaning:

The verse highlights the ritual purity required for the priests to minister before God. The basin was to be placed in a prominent location, a constant reminder to the priests of their need for cleansing before entering the Tent of Meeting (God's presence) or offering sacrifices at the altar.

Symbolic Significance (Interpretations):

Cleansing from Sin and Defilement: The water in the basin symbolized purification from sin and any ritual uncleanness that would make the priests unfit to serve before a holy God. Before approaching God, the priests needed to ritually cleanse themselves.
Sanctification and Consecration: The act of washing was a symbolic act of consecration, setting the priests apart for holy service. It represented a commitment to maintaining holiness in their duties.
Christ as the Cleansing Agent (New Testament Perspective): In Christian theology, the basin and its water are often seen as a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, who cleanses believers from sin through his sacrifice and the washing of regeneration (Titus 3:5).

In summary, Exodus 40:7 instructs on the placement and purpose of the bronze basin, which served as a crucial element in the Tabernacle's worship practices, emphasizing the need for ritual purity and consecration in approaching God.

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