“He made the laver of bronze and its base of bronze, from the bronze mirrors of the serving women who assembled at the door of the tabernacle of meeting.” Exodus 38:8

The function of the laver was to be used for the purification of the priests in the sacred service. After the sacrifice, there would still be a trace of blood and smoke from the altar. Therefore, they had to purify themselves by washing their feet (where they walk; conduct), their hands (what they do; character) and their faces (their faith; conscience).

As they purified themselves, they looked into the water that reflected their image to remind themselves that they were to be the image of God in their service before the Lord, before the people and in their home before their family.

Women would give up their image so that the image of God would be reflected in the priesthood (of their husbands).

Women were not permitted to enter the sanctuary but they were represented by their sacrifice.

These women’s voluntary offering shows us that they had heart that was willing to give, that it was devoid of greed (mirrors were valuable objects at the time; polished metal) and their own vanity.

This is because they were more concerned with the beauty of the spirit than the beauty of the corruptible body.

Another detail is that they had brought these mirrors from Egypt – Egyptian women who used to go to their pagan temples with them. This shows that they did not want to be like the Egyptians.

Today, these priests are the pastors. We have contributed to the existence of this bronze basin made from our mirrors (customs, vanities, aspirations).

However, it only fulfils its purpose if it is filled with pure water (the Word of God), so that they do not die spiritually but are approved by God.