What was the laver of cleansing in the tabernacle and what did it do for the priest?
The laver of cleansing in the tabernacle was a wash basin that also functioned as a mirror, reflecting whatever cleansing the priest needed. After making sacrifice at the altar, the priest washed his hands and feet there before proceeding in ministry. It did not replace the full bath before priestly service.
Les teaches that the laver of cleansing was not only a wash basin but also a mirror that would reflect whatever need the priest had in cleansing, and then he could proceed on. The priest did not stop at the laver and take a whole bath; he had to do that 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 says all of this is a Scriptural lesson for us. He then turns to John’s Gospel, chapter 13, where Christ, during His earthly ministry at the last Passover, rose from supper, laid aside His garments, took a towel, girded Himself, poured water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet. Les notes that some still practice foot washing, and he does not condemn them, but he feels they are bringing something from God’s dealing with Israel into the church that is not necessarily instructed for the church.