Laver and Tent

View looking west northwest at the laver (foreground) and the tent (behind it).

The laver contained water used for the ceremonial washing of the priests’ hands and feet, prior to entering the Tabernacle (Exodus 30:17–21).

The large black structure, with the blue/white front covering, is the actual Tabernacle (Tent of Meeting). It was 45 ft. [13.5 m.] long and 15 ft. [4.5 m.] wide. The front two-thirds was called the "Holy Place" and the menorah, the incense altar, and the table for the showbread were placed in it. Priests would enter the "Holy Place" on a daily basis.

Behind the "Holy Place," in the final one–third of the tent was the "Most Holy Place," or the "Holy of Holies," where the Ark of the Covenant was placed. The "Most Holy Place" was entered only once a year, on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), by the High Priest.

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