What role does the "altar of incense" play in worship according to Exodus 35:15? Scripture Focus: Exodus 35:15 “and the altar of incense with its poles, and the anointing oil and the fragrant incense, the curtain for the entrance to the tabernacle,” Where the Altar Stands • Placed “before the veil” (Exodus 30:6), right outside the Holy of Holies • Marks the threshold between God’s immediate presence and the people • Serves as a perpetual reminder that access to the LORD requires holiness and mediation Daily Ministry at the Altar • Every morning and evening the priest burns incense while tending the lamps (Exodus 30:7-8) • This twice-daily service keeps the worship of God central to Israel’s rhythm of life • Blood from certain sin offerings is applied to its horns (Exodus 30:10), linking prayer and atonement Symbol of Prayer and Presence • Rising smoke pictures prayer ascending to God: “May my prayer be set before You like incense” (Psalm 141:2) • Revelation 8:3-4 shows heaven itself echoing this reality—the prayers of the saints rise with incense on the golden altar • The altar therefore teaches that God delights in the continual fellowship of His people Aroma of Holiness: Set-Apart Incense • Made from a unique recipe (Exodus 30:34-38) never to be copied for common use • Emphasizes that worship must remain distinct from everyday life • The pleasing aroma points to a life consecrated wholly to the LORD (2 Corinthians 2:15) Mediator of Atonement • On the Day of Atonement, blood is placed on the altar’s horns to cleanse it from Israel’s sins (Leviticus 16:18-19) • Shows that even the meeting place of prayer needs purification, underscoring God’s absolute purity Continuous Worship, Continuous Dependence • Because incense was to burn “continually before the LORD” (Exodus 30:8), Israel learns that worship is not sporadic but ongoing • The altar’s daily clouds of fragrance call believers to unceasing prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17) Fulfilled in Christ • Jesus, our High Priest, “always lives to intercede for them” (Hebrews 7:25) • His once-for-all sacrifice opens the veil (Hebrews 10:19-22), yet He still bears our prayers before the Father • The earthly altar of incense foreshadows the heavenly ministry of Christ, ensuring our worship is accepted Key Takeaways • The altar of incense bridges earth and heaven, embodying prayer, holiness, and atonement • Its placement, service, and fragrance invite believers into constant, consecrated communion with the LORD • In Christ the symbol finds its substance, assuring us that our prayers ascend through His perfect mediation |
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