Exodus 40:7
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 40:7
7 And thou shalt set the laver between the tent of the congregation and the altar, and shalt put water therein.
Chapter Context
Exodus 40 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of worship, truth, wisdom. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-38: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 40:7
7 And thou shalt set the laver between the tent of the congregation and the altar, and shalt put water therein.
Analysis
The laver 'between the tent and the altar' with water for washing teaches that cleansing follows sacrifice and precedes service. Priests washed hands and feet before entering the tent (v. 31-32), teaching that justified saints need sanctification for fellowship. The laver's position—after altar (justification) but before tent (communion)—illustrates salvation's order. The water symbolizes the Word (Ephesians 5:26) and Spirit cleansing believers. Christ's blood justifies; His Spirit sanctifies (1 Corinthians 6:11).
Historical Context
The laver, made from bronze mirrors donated by serving women (Exodus 38:8), provided water for priestly washing. Without this cleansing, priests entering the tent or serving at the altar would die (Exodus 30:20-21)—emphasizing that holiness, not merely forgiveness, enables service.
Reflection
- How does the laver's position illustrate that salvation includes both justification and sanctification?
- What does priestly washing before service teach about believers' need for daily cleansing?
Word Studies
- Altar: מִזְבֵּחַ (Mizbeach) H4196 - Altar, place of sacrifice
Cross-References
- Sacrifice: Psalms 26:6
- Parallel theme: Zechariah 13:1, Titus 3:5, Hebrews 10:22, 1 John 1:7