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.