The Golden Altar, also known as the Altar of Incense, holds significant importance in the worship practices of ancient Israel as described in the Bible. It is primarily mentioned in the context of the Tabernacle and later the Temple, serving as a central element in the sacrificial and worship system ordained by God.

Biblical Description and Function

The Golden Altar is first described in the Book of Exodus. It was constructed according to divine instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai. The altar was made of acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold, measuring a cubit in length and width and two cubits in height, with horns on its four corners (Exodus 30:1-3). It was placed in the Holy Place, just before the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept.

The primary function of the Golden Altar was to burn incense, a practice that symbolized the prayers of the people ascending to God. Aaron, the high priest, was instructed to burn fragrant incense on the altar every morning and evening as a perpetual incense offering before the LORD (Exodus 30:7-8). This ritual underscored the importance of continual prayer and intercession in the life of the covenant community.

Symbolism and Theological Significance

The incense offered on the Golden Altar is rich in symbolic meaning. In the biblical narrative, incense represents the prayers and intercessions of the saints. This is echoed in the New Testament, where the imagery of incense is used to describe the prayers of believers rising before God (Revelation 5:8; Revelation 8:3-4). The sweet aroma of the incense signifies the pleasing nature of sincere and faithful prayers to God.

The location of the Golden Altar, directly before the veil of the Most Holy Place, highlights its role as a mediator between God and His people. It serves as a reminder of the need for holiness and purity in approaching God, as well as the necessity of a mediator, which in the New Testament is fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ, our High Priest (Hebrews 9:11-14).

Historical Context and Usage

In the history of Israel, the Golden Altar was a constant fixture in both the Tabernacle and Solomon's Temple. It was a daily reminder of the covenant relationship between God and His people, emphasizing the importance of worship, prayer, and atonement. The altar was also involved in the annual Day of Atonement rituals, where the high priest would use its incense to create a cloud of smoke that covered the mercy seat, symbolizing the covering of sin (Leviticus 16:12-13).

New Testament References

The New Testament book of Revelation provides a vivid depiction of the heavenly counterpart to the earthly Golden Altar. In Revelation, the altar is seen before the throne of God, where an angel offers incense along with the prayers of the saints (Revelation 8:3-4). This imagery reinforces the continuity of the theme of intercession and the ongoing role of prayer in the life of believers.

Conclusion

The Golden Altar Before God, with its rich symbolism and central role in the worship practices of Israel, serves as a profound reminder of the importance of prayer, intercession, and the need for a mediator in the relationship between God and humanity. Its presence in both the Old and New Testaments underscores the continuity of God's redemptive plan and the centrality of worship in the life of His people.