Editing Molten Sea (section)

==The Laver of the Tabernacle==
In the [[Priestly Code]] of [[Book of Exodus|Exodus]], instead of the Molten Sea is described a [[bronze laver|bronze ''laver'']] (basin), which was to rest on a bronze ''foot'' (presumably meaning ''a stand'').<ref>{{bibleverse|Exodus|30:18|KJV}}</ref> The text explains that this laver was to be used for the [[Kohen|Israelite priests]] to wash their hands and feet when they entered the sanctuary.<ref>{{bibleverse|Exodus|30:19-21|KJV}}</ref>
This is confirmed in a later part of the Priestly Code, in the passage describing the actual installation of the Tabernacle furniture.<ref>{{bibleverse|Exodus|40:30-32|KJV}}</ref>

The size and shape of this laver are not mentioned anywhere in the Bible, and nor are those of its stand, unlike the case for the Molten Sea. By contrast, the [[Menorah (Temple)|special golden candlestick]] is described by the Priestly Code, but not in the description of Solomon's temple. It might therefore be the case that the laver and the candlestick are somehow the same object.<ref name="EncBibLaver">{{EncyclopaediaBiblica|article=Laver|section=Lampsacus-Lazar House}}</ref><!--unfortunately Enc. Bib. doesn't explain what it means by this-->

===Relation to Solomon's platform===
Solomon is described by the [[Book of Chronicles]] as having constructed a special platform in his Temple, for him to use during the opening ceremony.<ref name="ChronPlatform">{{bibleverse|2 Chronicles|6:13|KJV}}</ref> Although it is often assumed that the text describes Solomon as standing on this platform, the text could equally be read ''stood next to''.<ref name="EncBibScaffold">{{EncyclopaediaBiblica|article=Scaffold|section=Satraps-Scythians}}</ref>

This platform is literally described by the [[masoretic text]] as a laver (Hebrew: ''kiyyor''), and as with the Priestly Code's laver, there is only one platform, and it is placed in the centre of the outer court. The [[Septuagint]] calls it a ''base'',<ref>2 Chronicles 6:13, LXX</ref> and the size of the brazen platform is the same as that of each base for the ten [[Bronze laver (Temple)|brazen lavers]].<ref name="EncBibScaffold" />

It is therefore quite possible that the account of this platform in the Book of Chronicles is actually an account of a laver corresponding to the laver of the Priestly Code.<ref name="EncBibScaffold" />