King James Bible Dictionary

(Heb. kiyor), a "basin" for boiling in, a "pan" for cooking (1 Samuel 2:14), a "fire-pan" or hearth (Zechariah 12:6), the sacred wash-bowl of the tabernacle and temple (Exodus 30:18, 28; 31:9; 35:16; 38:8; 39:39; 40:7, 11, 30, etc.), a basin for the water used by the priests in their ablutions.

That which was originally used in the tabernacle was of brass (rather copper; Heb. nihsheth), made from the metal mirrors the women brought out of Egypt (Exodus 38:8). It contained water wherewith the priests washed their hands and feet when they entered the tabernacle (40:32). It stood in the court between the altar and the door of the tabernacle (30:19, 21).

In the temple there were ten lavers used for the sacrifices, and the molten sea for the ablutions of the priests (2 Chronicles 4:6). The position and uses of these are described 1 Kings 7:23-39; 2 Chronicles 4:6. The "molten sea" was made of copper, taken from Tibhath and Chun, cities of Hadarezer, king of Zobah (1 Chronicles 18:8; 1 Kings 7:23-26).

No lavers are mentioned in the second temple.

Directions for making
Exodus 30:18-20

Situation of, in the tabernacle, tent of the congregation, and the altar
Exodus 40:7

Sanctified
Exodus 30:28; Exodus 40:11; Leviticus 8:11

Used for washing
Exodus 40:30-32

Brazen, made by Solomon for the temple
1 Kings 7:23-26; 1 Kings 7:30; 1 Kings 7:38-39; 2 Chronicles 4:2-14

Altered by Ahaz
2 Kings 16:17

Broken and carried to Babylon by the Chaldeans
2 Kings 25:13; 2 Kings 25:16; Jeremiah 52:17; Jeremiah 52:20

Figurative
Revelation 4:6; Revelation 15:2; Exodus 38:8; 1 Kings 7:23

1. In the tabernacle, a vessel of brass containing water for the priests to wash their hands and feet before offering sacrifice. It stood in the fore offering sacrifice. It stood in the court between the altar and the door of the tabernacle. (Exodus 30:19,21) It rested on a basis, i.e. a foot, which, was well as the laver itself, was made from the mirrors of the women who assembled at the door of the tabernacle court. (Exodus 38:8) The form of the laver is not specified, but may be assumed to have been circular. Like the other vessels belonging to the tabernacle, it was, together with its "foot," consecrated with oil. (Leviticus 8:10,11)
2. In Solomon's temple, besides the great molten sea, there were ten lavers of brass, raised on bases, (1 Kings 7:27,39) five on the north and five on the south side of the court of the priests. They were used for washing the animals to be offered in burnt offerings. (2 Chronicles 4:6)

LA'VER, noun A vessel for washing; a large basin; in scripture history, a basin placed in the court of the Jewish tabernacle, where the officiating priests washed their hands and feet and the entrails of victims.

LAVEROCK. [See lark.]