Incense

In the Bible, incense is a fragrant substance that is burned as an offering to God, symbolizing prayer, worship, and the presence of the divine. The use of incense is deeply rooted in the religious practices of ancient Israel and is mentioned numerous times throughout the Scriptures.

The first mention of incense in the Bible is found in Exodus 30:34-38, where God gives Moses specific instructions for making a sacred incense blend: "Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Take fragrant spices—gum resin, onycha, and galbanum—and pure frankincense, all in equal measures, and make a fragrant blend of incense, the work of a perfumer, seasoned with salt, pure and holy.'" (Exodus 30:34-35). This incense was to be used exclusively for worship in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple, signifying its sanctity and the holiness of God.

Incense was burned on the Altar of Incense, which was located in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle, just before the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (Exodus 30:1-10). The burning of incense was a daily ritual performed by the priests, symbolizing the prayers of the people ascending to God. Psalm 141:2 reflects this symbolism: "May my prayer be set before You like incense, my uplifted hands like the evening offering."

In the New Testament, incense continues to hold symbolic significance. In Revelation 5:8, the prayers of the saints are depicted as incense: "And when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints." This imagery underscores the continuity of incense as a representation of prayer and worship in the presence of God.

Pure Offerings

Pure offerings in the Bible refer to sacrifices and gifts presented to God that are unblemished, sincere, and in accordance with His commandments. The concept of purity in offerings is central to the worship practices outlined in the Old Testament, emphasizing the holiness and perfection required in approaching God.

The Law of Moses provided detailed instructions for various types of offerings, including burnt offerings, grain offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings. Each of these required specific conditions to be met, ensuring that the offerings were pure and acceptable to God. For instance, Leviticus 1:3 states, "If his offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he is to offer an unblemished male. He must present it at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, that he may be accepted by the LORD."

The requirement for purity in offerings is not limited to the physical condition of the sacrifice but extends to the heart and intentions of the worshiper. Malachi 1:11 highlights the importance of pure offerings: "For My name will be great among the nations, from where the sun rises to where it sets. In every place incense and pure offerings will be brought to My name, because My name will be great among the nations, says the LORD of Hosts."

In the New Testament, the concept of pure offerings is expanded to include the spiritual sacrifices of believers. Romans 12:1 exhorts Christians to present their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is their spiritual act of worship. This reflects the shift from physical sacrifices to the offering of one's life in service and devotion to God.

The emphasis on purity in offerings underscores the biblical principle that God desires worship that is genuine, heartfelt, and in accordance with His will. Whether through the burning of incense or the presentation of offerings, the Bible consistently calls for worship that honors God's holiness and reflects the sincerity of the worshiper's faith.