What does the burning of incense symbolize in Exodus 30:7 and throughout Scripture? The Command in Exodus 30:7–8 “On the altar of incense Aaron is to burn fragrant incense every morning when he tends the lamps. When Aaron sets up the lamps at twilight, he must burn incense perpetually before the LORD for the generations to come.” (Exodus 30:7–8) Why God Instituted Daily Incense • Continual reminder of an unbroken relationship—morning and evening offerings bookend Israel’s day with worship • A physical picture of something invisible: fragrant smoke rising toward heaven mirrors prayers rising to God • Creates a sweet aroma in the Holy Place, marking it as wholly dedicated to the LORD Incense as Symbol of Prayer • Psalm 141:2: “May my prayer be set before You like incense.” • Revelation 8:3–4: angel offers “incense with the prayers of all the saints,” and the smoke ascends to God. • Revelation 5:8: golden bowls of incense are explicitly called “the prayers of the saints.” Incense and Intercession • Leviticus 16:12–13: on the Day of Atonement, incense cloud covers the mercy seat so the high priest may approach safely—mediation in action. • Numbers 16:46–48: Aaron runs with his censer into the midst of a plague; incense signals intercession that stops judgment. • Luke 1:8–11: Zechariah offers incense while “the whole multitude … was praying outside,” linking priestly service with corporate intercession. Fragrance Points to Worship that Pleases God • The recipe (Exodus 30:34–38) was unique; copying it for personal use was forbidden. • God alone decides what true worship smells like—no self-styled substitutes. • 2 Corinthians 2:15: believers are now “the fragrance of Christ” among those being saved. Perpetual Incense and the Unceasing Call to Pray • Morning and evening rhythm parallels 1 Thessalonians 5:17, “pray without ceasing.” • Hebrews 7:25: Jesus “always lives to intercede” just as incense was always to rise. Incense, Atonement, and Access • Incense altar stood before the veil (Exodus 30:6), right at the threshold of God’s throne. • Blood was applied to its horns once a year (Exodus 30:10), tying prayer’s acceptability to atonement. • Through Christ’s blood we now “have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place” (Hebrews 10:19). Key Takeaways for Today • Burning incense in Exodus 30:7 prefigures continual, pleasing prayer ascending to God. • The sweet aroma underscores worship that delights the LORD, grounded in sacrifice and holiness. • Christ’s finished work fulfills the altar’s purpose; our unceasing, Spirit-empowered prayers are the fragrance God still desires. |
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