What was the laver of cleansing and what did it do for the priest?
The laver of cleansing was a wash basin and a mirror that reflected whatever need the priest had in cleansing. After the altar and sacrifice, the priest stopped there and washed his hands and feet, not a whole bath, before proceeding in his priestly ministry.
Les teaches that the priest would come to the laver of cleansing, which was not only a wash basin but also a mirror that would reflect whatever need he had in cleansing; then he could proceed on. The priest did not take a whole bath there. He had to bathe before he began his priestly ministry, but after stopping at the altar and making his sacrifice, he would stop at the laver and wash his hands and feet. Les says this whole cleansing aspect is a Scriptural lesson for all of us. He then turns to John 13, during Christ's earthly ministry at the last Passover, where Jesus rose from supper, laid aside His garments, took a towel, girded Himself, poured water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet and wipe them with the towel. When He came to Simon Peter, Peter asked, "Lord, dost thou wash my feet?"