The Wash Basin

The wash basin of the Tabernacle is symbolic of separation from God.

The tabernacle altar was available to everyone for the atonement of their sins, but the wash basin was only for the priests. They had to be ritually clean before they could perform any duties in the Tabernacle of Moses, including altar duties.

“Aaron and his sons are to use the water to wash their hands and feet before they go into the Tent or approach the altar to offer the food offering. Then they will not be killed.” (Exo 30:19-20)

The priests had to use the wash basin to cleanse their hands and feet before they could do ministry in the Tabernacle, implying both purity of walk and purity of deeds.

“They must wash their hands and feet, so that they will not die.” (Exo 30:21)

The water in the wash basin speaks of the word of God.

“You have been made clean already by the teaching I have given you.” (Joh 15:3)

Jesus is the Word of God.

“The Word became a human being and, full of grace and truth, lived among us. We saw his glory, the glory which he received as the Father’s only Son.” (Joh 1:14)

Everything on the Tabernacle speaks of Jesus. He therefore divinely represents the wash basin where we can wash ourselves from sin.

The wash basin of the Tabernacle is where you must reflect on your life.

The wash basin used in the tabernacle was manufactured out of mirrors.

“He made the bronze basin and its bronze base out of the mirrors belonging to the women who served at the entrance of the Tent of the LORD’s presence.” (Exo 38:8)

The message that this sent out is clear.

“You should not use outward aids to make yourselves beautiful, such as the way you fix your hair, or the jewelry you put on, or the dresses you wear. Instead, your beauty should consist of your true inner self, the ageless beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of the greatest value in God’s sight.” (1Pe 3:3-4)

“The things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, these are the things that make you ritually unclean.” (Mat 15:18)

The message taught by the wash basin of the tabernacle is therefore that you must look into the word of God and compare your life to it.

“If you look closely into the perfect law that sets people free, and keep on paying attention to it and do not simply listen and then forget it, but put it into practice—you will be blessed by God in what you do.” (Jam 1:25)

Never underestimate the power of the wash basin of the tabernacle!

Naaman took to the water and was cured of leprosy.

“So Naaman went down to the Jordan, dipped himself in it seven times, as Elisha had instructed, and he was completely cured. His flesh became firm and healthy like that of a child.” (2Ki 5:1-14)

The man who was born blind also got cured when he washed.

He answered, “The man called Jesus made some mud, rubbed it on my eyes, and told me to go to Siloam and wash my face. So I went, and as soon as I washed, I could see.” (Joh 9:11)

Symbolically, therefore, the application of the truths of the wash basin in the Tabernacle will have a healing effect on your life.

True holiness is not about your ability to do right, but about God’s ability to work the cleansing in you.

The sick man answered, “Sir, I don’t have anyone here to put me in the pool when the water is stirred up; while I am trying to get in, somebody else gets there first.” Jesus said to him, “Get up, pick up your mat, and walk.” Immediately the man got well; he picked up his mat and started walking. (Joh 5:7-9)

“Let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind.” (Rom 12:2)

Note that even a single wrong act can defile us and make us unfit for duty in the service of God.

If you don’t carefully heed the lessons of the wash basin of the Tabernacle, it can easily turn from a cure to a curse!

The prophet Elisha knew that healing was a gift from God. He, therefore, refused to take any money for the healing of Naaman.

Elisha answered, “By the living LORD, whom I serve, I swear that I will not accept a gift.” Naaman insisted that he accept it, but he would not. (2Ki 5:16)

Elisha’s servant, Gehazi, thought this was silly and followed Naaman to collect the money from him.

“Please take six thousand pieces of silver,” Naaman replied. He insisted on it, tied up the silver in two bags, gave them and two changes of fine clothes to two of his servants, and sent them on ahead of Gehazi. (2Ki 5:23)

Not only did he take the money, he even lied to Elisha about it.

“When they reached the hill where Elisha lived, Gehazi took the two bags and carried them into the house. Then he sent Naaman’s servants back. He went back into the house, and Elisha asked him, “Where have you been?” “Oh, nowhere, sir,” he answered. (2Ki 5:24-25)

How stupid can you get? Don’t ever try to lie to a prophet!

Elisha said, “Wasn’t I there in spirit when the man got out of his chariot to meet you? This is no time to accept money and clothes, olive groves and vineyards, sheep and cattle, or servants! (2Ki 5:26)

Gehazi consequently reaped the fruit of his sin.

“And now Naaman’s disease will come upon you, and you and your descendants will have it forever!” When Gehazi left, he had the disease—
His skin was as white as snow. (2Ki 5:27)

Never take credit for God’s work for yourself!

Did you notice that there is only one letter difference between cured and cursed?

Naaman was cured because he believed and demonstrated his faith through his actions. Gehazi was cursed because he sinned.

Someone will say, “One person has faith, another has actions.” My answer is, “Show me how anyone can have faith without actions. I will show you my faith through my actions.” (Jam 2:18)

Never wash with stagnant water!

The priests of the Tabernacle always had to wash themselves with running water. The base of the wash basin (brazen laver) was the receptacle for the water that was
spilt during the washing process.

You must continually seek God for a fresh word. The word that you need to cleanse your life is not a general truth from the Bible but a specific word from a living God that is factual, true, and relevant to your current situation.

Those in God’s service in the Tabernacle had to cleanse themselves at the wash basin every time they reported for duty. So must you!