THE TABERNACLE 9
The Brazen Altar and Laver of Brass

Exodus 27:1-2 and 30:19-21

We will consider these together in this writing. Brass was more valuable then than now, and must have been valued like gold and silver. It likely was brought out of the treasure houses. Pithom is said to be a city in Goshen, where the Israelites were. Modern brass is a combination of copper and zinc; but we do not know that they knew that art. In fact, the same Hebrew word is translated both brass and copper. Ezra 8:27 says it is "precious as gold".

The altar of brass was made of a shittim wood base and overlayed with brass, Exod. 27:1-2. A grate would be made to be in the midst of the altar, vs 5. Staves would be made to carry it as they moved, vs 7-8. This will undoubtedly be the busiest item in the structure. Brass is associated with judgement and this portrays Jesus' death upon the cross for sinners. It is the case of a substitute for sinners. It portrays Jesus' death upon the cross for sinners (of which we who write or read this are one of them). A substitute dies for one who deserves to die.

The brazen laver was, crudely speaking, a basin on a stand with a base called a foot. It is described in Exod. 38:8 and 30: 18. It was of solid brass and it's purpose was for washing thier hands and feet, 30:19-21. The paralell is that with Jesus' death we are washed: "Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood.", Revelation 1:5.

This is the second of seven pieces of 'furniture' in the tabernacle when it was set up for service. It was made of the looking glasses of the women, Exod. 38:8. This speaks of the quality of the brass. Looking up on this arrangement from above (heaven) - - - it forms a cross. This arrangement is the preaching of the gospel to the Hebrews of old, Hebrews 3:8; and those of New Testament times. It was preached to Abraham, Galatians 3:8; and unto us after the fulfilling of it all, at the cross of Calvary. We may resume the subject later. DDH.