What was the laver in the tabernacle and why did the priest wash there?
The laver was a wash basin of cleansing in Israel's priestly service, and it also acted as a mirror reflecting whatever need the priest had in cleansing. After making sacrifice at the altar, he washed his hands and feet there, not a full bath, then proceeded.
Les teaches that the priest would come to the laver of cleansing. It was not only a wash basin; it was a mirror that reflected whatever need he had in cleansing, and then he could proceed. Les says this is a Scriptural lesson for all of us. The priest did not stop there and take a whole bath; that had to be done before he began his priestly ministry. After he had stopped at the altar and made his sacrifice, he would stop at the laver and wash his hands and feet. Les connects this cleansing aspect to John 13, where at the last Passover Jesus rises from supper, lays aside His garments, takes a towel, girds Himself, pours water into a basin, and begins to wash the disciples' feet.