Laver

From BibleWiki

(Heb. kiyor), a "basin" for boiling in, a "pan" for cooking (1Sam 2:14), a "fire-pan" or hearth (Zech 12:6), the sacred wash-bowl of the tabernacle and temple (Ex 30:18, Ex 30:28; Ex 31:9; Ex 35:16; Ex 38:8; Ex 39:39; Ex 40:7ff 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 (Ex 38:8). It contained water wherewith the priests washed their hands and feet when they entered the tabernacle (Ex 40:32). It stood in the court between the altar and the door of the tabernacle (Ex 30:19ff).

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