Overview
The Laver of Brass was a massive bronze vessel constructed for the temple of Solomon, measuring approximately 15 feet in diameter and 7.5 feet deep. It was supported by twelve bronze oxen and held water for the priests' ceremonial washings before performing their sacred duties at the altar and in the tabernacle service.
Key Scriptures
"He made the Sea of cast bronze, ten cubits from one brim to the other; it was completely round. Its height was five cubits, and a line of thirty cubits measured its circumference" (1 Kings 7:23, NASB).
"Below its brim were ornamental buds encircling it all around, ten to a cubit, completely surrounding the Sea. The buds were cast in two rows when it was cast" (1 Kings 7:24, ESV).
"It stood on twelve oxen, three pointing north, three pointing west, three pointing south and three pointing east. The Sea rested on top of them" (1 Kings 7:25, NIV).
Application
As believers, we recognize that Christ's blood provides the ultimate cleansing from sin, replacing the ceremonial washings of the Old Testament priesthood.