Exodus 30

17–21 The final article of furniture for the tabernacle was the bronze basin (verse 18). This was to be located in the courtyard outside the tabernacle proper (the Tent of Meeting); in this way, the priests could wash their hands and feet before entering the Holy Place, so that they might not die (verses 21–22).

Similar to the washing of Aaron and his sons during their original consecration (see Exodus 29:4), this washing of hands and feet symbolized the removal of sin; if an “unwashed” person entered the Holy Place, he would face death. The consecration washing was done just once; the washing of hands and feet needed to be repeated over and over. This requirement that the priests wash their hands and feet symbolized their need to remain pure and holy (Leviticus 11:45).

These two kinds of “washing”—initial and repeated—are paralleled in the New Testament. When we put our faith in Christ, we are washed, we are sanctified by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:11). This washing never needs to be repeated. However, as we go through life, we pick up the “dust” of the road—the temptations, sins, and frustrations of the world—and our feet (and hands) get dirty. These need to be washed regularly—but not our whole body (John 13:10). The washing of hands and feet at the bronze basin symbolizes the confession of sin; if we confess our sins, God will forgive us, and purify us, and our fellowship with Him will be restored (1 John 1:9).

Having looked at the sixth and final article of tabernacle furniture, the bronze basin, we now need to see the spiritual significance of the different pieces of furniture taken together, because they provide a beautiful picture of our own spiritual approach to God. Our approach begins in the courtyard with the altar of burnt offering, which symbolizes Christ’s death for us. This brings us immediately to the bronze basin, a symbol of baptism, of cleansing from sin. This opens the way for us to enter the Holy Place, Christ’s church, where we are nourished with spiritual bread from the table, and illuminated with spiritual light from the lamp stand. Then as we approach the Most Holy Place, we offer up our prayers to God at the golden altar of incense. Finally, we enter through the curtain—now torn in two—into the very presence of God and stand before the ark—His throne. God in this way has given to sinful humans complete access to Himself, and the tabernacle and its furnishings symbolize for us this wonderful spiritual truth.

Anointing Oil (30:22–33)

22–33 The Lord next gave Moses detailed instructions concerning the anointing oil that was to be used to anoint the priests (Exodus 29:7,21) and all the articles in the tabernacle (verses 26–28). Everything the oil touched would symbolically be purified and consecrated. The oil would be unique; it was not to be duplicated or used for any other purpose, on penalty of death (verse 33).

Christians today have also been anointed; our “anointing oil” is the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 1:21–22; 1 John 2:20).

Incense (30:34–38)

34–38 Then the Lord gave Moses instructions concerning the incense to be burned on the altar of incense. Like the anointing oil(verses 22–33), the tabernacle incense was unique and was not to be duplicated or used for any other purpose.