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Passover and the Tabernacle

Called Out of Captivity:

As we observe this appointed time of YHWH/God's, we are to remember we were once captives to lawlessness (sin), separated from God, just like the Israelites were in the land of Egypt. In order to get back in right relationship with God, there must be a sacrifice made because the law of sin requires a death. We are to remember he chose to bring us out of captivity through the sacrifice of his son, Jesus and set us free from lawlessness (sin). On this day, we remember his crucifixion, the original “Good Friday.”

God called the captives out of slavery and bondage.

God appointed Passover for whoever in all generations, to remember he had brought them out of bondage and set them free.

The Bronze Altar

Passover and Unleavened Bread in the Bible:Passover originates in Exodus 12, where God instructs the Israelites to sacrifice a lamb without blemish (Exodus 12:5) and spread its blood on their doorposts to escape the plague of the firstborn (Exodus 12:7, 13). They were to eat the lamb with unleavened bread and bitter herbs (Exodus 12:8). The Feast of Unleavened Bread immediately follows, lasting seven days, during which no leaven is to be eaten or found in their homes (Exodus 12:15-20). Leaven often symbolizes sin or corruption in Scripture (e.g., 1 Corinthians 5:6-8), and its removal signifies purity and haste in leaving Egypt (Exodus 12:34, 39).

The Brazen Altar:The brazen (bronze) altar, described in Exodus 27:1-8, is the place of sacrifice in the tabernacle. It’s where burnt offerings and other sacrifices were offered to atone for sin and maintain fellowship with God (Leviticus 1:4-9). The fire on the altar burned continually (Leviticus 6:13), symbolizing God’s ongoing acceptance of the sacrifices. The Passover lamb itself was a sacrifice (Exodus 12:27), and its blood protected the Israelites from judgment, pointing to atonement.

The Wash Basin (Laver):The bronze wash basin, or laver, is described in Exodus 30:17-21. Positioned between the brazen altar and the tabernacle’s entrance, it was where priests washed their hands and feet before ministering (Exodus 30:19-20). This washing symbolized purification, as they could not approach God’s presence with impurity, lest they die (Exodus 30:21). It reflects the need for holiness in God’s service.

Tying Them Together:

  1. Passover Lamb and the Brazen Altar:The Passover lamb was sacrificed, its blood shed to avert God’s judgment (Exodus 12:13). Similarly, the brazen altar was the site of blood sacrifice for atonement. The lamb’s death parallels the offerings on the altar, where an animal’s life was given to cover sin (Leviticus 17:11 – “the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls”). The Passover sacrifice prefigures the altar’s role in reconciling God and His people.
  2. Unleavened Bread and the Wash Basin:Unleavened bread represents purity, free from corruption (leaven). The wash basin’s purpose was to ensure the priests were ceremonially clean before entering God’s presence. Both speak to the requirement of holiness. Just as the Israelites removed leaven from their homes (Exodus 12:15), the priests washed away physical impurity at the laver. Symbolically, both acts prepare one to stand before a holy God—unleavened bread in the Passover meal and washing at the laver in tabernacle service.
  3. Theological Connection:The sequence in the tabernacle mirrors Passover’s themes. At the brazen altar, sacrifice (like the Passover lamb) addresses sin’s penalty. At the wash basin, cleansing (like eating unleavened bread) addresses sin’s pollution. Together, they prepare the way to God’s presence, just as Passover and Unleavened Bread marked the Israelites’ deliverance and consecration as God’s people (Exodus 19:6).

In summary, the Passover lamb ties to the brazen altar as a sacrifice for atonement, while unleavened bread aligns with the wash basin as a symbol of purification. Both pairs reflect God’s demand for a redeemed and holy people, fulfilled in the exodus and sustained in tabernacle worship.

Using only biblical information, we can connect Jesus to the tabernacle elements of the brazen altar and the wash basin by examining how Scripture portrays Him in relation to sacrifice and purification, themes central to these elements. The descriptions of the tabernacle are primarily in Exodus, while Jesus’ role is unpacked in the New Testament, often referencing Old Testament imagery.

The Brazen Altar:The brazen (bronze) altar, detailed in Exodus 27:1-8, was the place of sacrifice in the tabernacle. Animals were offered there to atone for sin, their blood shed to reconcile people to God (Leviticus 1:4-5; 17:11 – “the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls”). The fire burned continually (Leviticus 6:13), signifying God’s acceptance of the offering.

Jesus ties directly to the brazen altar as the ultimate sacrifice. John 1:29 identifies Him as “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” His death on the cross fulfills the sacrificial system. Hebrews 9:12-14 states He “entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption.” His blood, shed once, surpasses the repeated sacrifices on the altar (Hebrews 10:10-12), making Him the final offering for sin. The altar’s role in atonement finds its completion in Jesus’ crucifixion, where He bore the penalty of sin (1 Peter 2:24).

The Wash Basin (Laver):The bronze wash basin, or laver, is described in Exodus 30:17-21. Located between the altar and the tabernacle’s entrance, it was where priests washed their hands and feet before ministering, symbolizing purification (Exodus 30:19-20). Without this cleansing, they could not approach God’s presence safely (Exodus 30:21). It represents the need for holiness.

Jesus connects to the wash basin through His role in cleansing believers from sin. In John 13:8-10, during the Last Supper, He washes the disciples’ feet, saying to Peter, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.” This act symbolizes spiritual cleansing, which Jesus provides. Ephesians 5:26 ties this to His broader work, stating He “cleansed [the church] by by the washing of water with the word.” Titus 3:5 echoes this: “He saved us… by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.” His blood not only atones (like the altar) but also purifies (Hebrews 9:14 – “how much more will the blood of Christ… purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God”). Thus, Jesus fulfills the laver’s purpose, making believers holy to enter God’s presence.

Theological Unity:The tabernacle’s progression—sacrifice at the brazen altar, then cleansing at the wash basin—mirrors Jesus’ work. At the altar, His death as the sacrificial Lamb pays for sin (Romans 3:25). At the laver, His cleansing power sanctifies believers (1 John 1:7 – “the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin”). Hebrews 10:19-22 ties these together: through Jesus’ blood (altar), we have confidence to enter the holy place, having our hearts sprinkled clean and bodies washed with pure water (laver). He embodies both elements, securing redemption and holiness.

In summary, Jesus is the brazen altar’s perfect sacrifice, offering His life to atone for sin, and the wash basin’s cleansing agent, purifying believers to stand before God. The New Testament presents Him as the fulfillment of these tabernacle elements, completing their purpose in His person and work.