Behind | Instruments of Ritual

Rituals required a host of instruments and vessels such as utensils, carts, wash basins and other things (cf 1 Kings 7:23-51). Here are some images that allow us to more vividly picture rituals and the instruments involved with them.

A golden lampstand placed beside the table of showbread according to the daily provision rituals burned continually with olive oil (Ex 25:30-31).

The best representation of the lampstand appears on Titus’s arch, shown being carried off to Rome after the destruction of Herod’s temple in AD 70.

Rameses II gave drink offerings and burning incense to Amun-Re. Israel used incense and drink offerings in the tabernacle and temple (Ex 30:1-10; 34-38).

Mikvaot were baths used for cleansing rituals in preparation for worship.

Rituals were preserved by institutions and individuals. This was likely a private collection of ritual texts held by a prominent Assyrian.