The setting up of the altar and basin is a significant event in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of the construction and consecration of the Tabernacle, as described in the Book of Exodus. These elements are central to the worship and sacrificial system instituted by God for the Israelites during their wilderness journey.

The Altar of Burnt Offering

The altar of burnt offering, also known as the brazen altar, was a key component of the Tabernacle's courtyard. It was constructed according to divine specifications given to Moses on Mount Sinai. The altar was made of acacia wood and overlaid with bronze, measuring five cubits square and three cubits high (Exodus 27:1-2). It featured horns on its four corners and was equipped with bronze utensils for handling the sacrifices.

The primary function of the altar was to serve as the site for burnt offerings, where sacrifices were made to atone for the sins of the people and to express devotion to God. The fire on the altar was to be kept burning continually, symbolizing the perpetual worship and presence of God among His people (Leviticus 6:12-13).

The Bronze Basin

The bronze basin, also referred to as the laver, was placed between the Tent of Meeting and the altar. It was made from the bronze mirrors donated by the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting (Exodus 38:8). The basin was filled with water and used by the priests for ceremonial washing.

Before entering the Tent of Meeting or approaching the altar to minister, Aaron and his sons were required to wash their hands and feet in the basin. This act of washing was a ritual of purification, emphasizing the holiness required of those who served in the presence of God (Exodus 30:18-21). The washing symbolized the need for spiritual cleanliness and the removal of impurity before engaging in sacred duties.

Theological Significance

The altar and basin together highlight the dual aspects of atonement and purification in the worship of Yahweh. The altar represents the necessity of sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins, pointing forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the sacrificial system through His death on the cross (Hebrews 10:10-14). The basin underscores the importance of holiness and the cleansing required to approach a holy God, a theme echoed in the New Testament's call for believers to live pure and sanctified lives (1 Peter 1:15-16).

Biblical Instructions and Implementation

The instructions for setting up the altar and basin were part of the broader directives for constructing the Tabernacle, as detailed in Exodus chapters 25 through 31. The actual implementation of these instructions is recorded in Exodus 40, where Moses sets up the Tabernacle according to God's command. "He placed the altar of burnt offering at the entrance to the Tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting, and offered on it burnt offerings and grain offerings as the LORD had commanded him" (Exodus 40:29). Similarly, the basin was set between the Tent of Meeting and the altar, and water was put in it for washing (Exodus 40:30-32).

The setting up of the altar and basin marked the completion of the Tabernacle and the commencement of its use as the central place of worship for the Israelites. It signified the establishment of a divinely ordained system through which the people could maintain a covenant relationship with God, characterized by sacrifice, purification, and obedience to His commands.