Laver

Easton, 1897

(Heb. kiyor), a "basin" for boiling in, a "pan" for cooking (1 Samuel 2:14), a "fire-pan" or hearth (Zechariah 12:6), the sacred wash-bowl of the tabernacle and temple (Exodus 30:18, Exodus 30:28; Exodus 31:9; Exodus 35:16; Exodus 38:8; Exodus 39:39; Exodus 40:7, Exodus 40:11, Exodus 40:30, etc.), a basin for the water used by the priests in their ablutions.

That which was originally used in the tabernacle was of brass (rather copper; Heb. nihsheth), made from the metal mirrors the women brought out of Egypt (Exodus 38:8). It contained water wherewith the priests washed their hands and feet when they entered the tabernacle (Exodus 40:32). It stood in the court between the altar and the door of the tabernacle (Exodus 30:19, Exodus 30:21).

In the temple there were ten lavers used for the sacrifices, and the molten sea for the ablutions of the priests (2 Chronicles 4:6). The position and uses of these are described 1 Kings 7:23-39; 2 Chronicles 4:6. The "molten sea" was made of copper, taken from Tibhath and Chun, cities of Hadarezer, king of Zobah (1 Chronicles 18:8; 1 Kings 7:23-26).

No lavers are mentioned in the second temple.