Incense-altars hold a significant place in the worship practices described in the Bible, particularly within the context of the Tabernacle and the Temple. These altars were specifically designed for the burning of incense, a practice that symbolized the prayers of the people ascending to God.

Design and Construction

The primary incense altar, often referred to as the "Altar of Incense," was located in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle, and later in the Temple. According to Exodus 30:1-3 , the altar was made of acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold. It was square, measuring a cubit in length and width, and two cubits high, with horns on its corners. The altar was equipped with gold rings and poles for transport, emphasizing its sacredness and the need for it to be handled with care.

Function and Ritual Use

The primary function of the incense altar was to burn incense before the Lord. Exodus 30:7-8 instructs, "Aaron is to burn fragrant incense on it every morning when he tends the lamps. When Aaron sets up the lamps at twilight, he must burn the incense perpetually before the LORD for the generations to come." This daily ritual was a vital part of the priestly duties, symbolizing the continual prayers and intercession of the people.

The incense used was a specific blend, as detailed in Exodus 30:34-38 , which was not to be replicated for personal use, underscoring its sanctity. The burning of incense was a sacred act, and any deviation from the prescribed formula or unauthorized use was met with severe consequences, as illustrated in the account of Nadab and Abihu in Leviticus 10:1-2 .

Symbolism and Spiritual Significance

Incense-altars and the act of burning incense carry deep symbolic meaning throughout Scripture. The rising smoke of the incense is often seen as a representation of prayers ascending to God. Psalm 141:2 reflects this imagery: "May my prayer be set before You like incense, my uplifted hands like the evening offering."

In the New Testament, the imagery of incense continues to hold spiritual significance. Revelation 8:3-4 describes an angel offering incense with the prayers of the saints on the golden altar before the throne of God, highlighting the continuity of this symbol from the Old Covenant to the New.

Historical and Theological Context

The use of incense-altars is deeply rooted in the historical and theological context of Israelite worship. The altar served as a tangible reminder of the holiness of God and the need for purity in approaching Him. It also emphasized the role of the priest as an intercessor, mediating between God and His people.

Theologically, the incense altar points to the ultimate intercessor, Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice and continual intercession make it possible for believers to approach God with confidence. Hebrews 7:25 states, "Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them."

In summary, incense-altars in the Bible are not merely ritualistic objects but are rich in symbolism and theological depth, reflecting the relationship between God and His people and the ongoing significance of prayer and intercession in the life of faith.4729c. meqatterah -- incense altar
... Word Origin from the same as qatar Definition incense altar NASB Word Usage incense
altars (1). 4729b, 4729c. meqatterah. 4730 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/4729c.htm - 5k

2553. chamman -- a sun pillar
... Word Origin from chamam Definition a sun pillar NASB Word Usage incense altars
(7), incense stands (1). idol, image. From chammah; a sun-pillar -- idol, image. ...
/hebrew/2553.htm - 6k

Incense-altars (1 Occurrence)
Incense-altars. Incense-altar, Incense-altars. Incense-burners .
Multi-Version Concordance Incense-altars (1 Occurrence). ...
/i/incense-altars.htm - 6k

Asherim (20 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 34:4 They broke down the altars of the Baals in his presence; and the
incensealtars that were on high above them he cut down; and the Asherim ...
/a/asherim.htm - 13k

Altars (55 Occurrences)
... Leviticus 26:30 I will destroy your high places, and cut down your incensealtars,
and cast your dead bodies upon the bodies of your idols; and my soul will ...
/a/altars.htm - 25k

Demolished (15 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Ezekiel 6:4 Your altars shall become desolate, and your incensealtars
shall be broken; and I will cast down your slain men before your idols. ...
/d/demolished.htm - 11k

Chopped (3 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 34:4 They broke down the altars of the Baals in his presence; and the
incensealtars that were on high above them he cut down; and the Asherim ...
/c/chopped.htm - 7k

Powder (14 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 34:4 They broke down the altars of the Baals in his presence; and the
incensealtars that were on high above them he cut down; and the Asherim ...
/p/powder.htm - 12k

Smashed (22 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Ezekiel 6:4 Your altars shall become desolate, and your incensealtars
shall be broken; and I will cast down your slain men before your idols. ...
/s/smashed.htm - 13k

Engraved (62 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 34:4 They broke down the altars of the Baals in his presence; and the
incensealtars that were on high above them he cut down; and the Asherim ...
/e/engraved.htm - 26k

Tore (59 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 34:4 They broke down the altars of the Baals in his presence; and the
incensealtars that were on high above them he cut down; and the Asherim ...
/t/tore.htm - 25k

Poles (58 Occurrences)
... 2 Chronicles 34:4 They broke down the altars of the Baals in his presence; and the
incensealtars that were on high above them he cut down; and the Asherim ...
/p/poles.htm - 22k

What is an altar? | GotQuestions.org

What was the significance of the horns of the altar (Amos 3:14)? | GotQuestions.org

Who are the Chemarim / Chemarims in Zephaniah 1:4? | GotQuestions.org

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