Topical Encyclopedia The Altar of Incense, also known as the "Altar Before the Lord," holds significant importance in the worship practices of ancient Israel as described in the Old Testament. This sacred altar was a central element within the Tabernacle and later the Temple, symbolizing the prayers and intercessions of the people ascending to God.Biblical Description and Construction The instructions for the construction of the Altar of Incense are detailed in Exodus 30:1-10. The altar was made of acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold, measuring a cubit in length and width, and two cubits in height. It featured horns on its four corners, also covered in gold, and a gold molding around its top. The altar was equipped with gold rings on two sides, through which poles were inserted for transport, ensuring it could be moved without being touched directly. Placement and Function The Altar of Incense was placed in the Holy Place, directly in front of the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, where the Ark of the Covenant resided. This strategic placement is emphasized in Exodus 30:6, "Place the altar in front of the veil that is before the ark of the Testimony—before the mercy seat that is over the Testimony—where I will meet with you." The primary function of the altar was for the burning of incense, a fragrant offering that symbolized the prayers of the Israelites rising to God. The incense was to be burned every morning and evening by the priest, as described in Exodus 30:7-8: "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." Symbolism and Significance The Altar of Incense represents the continual prayers and intercessions of God's people. The rising smoke of the incense is often seen as a metaphor for prayers ascending to heaven, as reflected in Psalm 141:2, "May my prayer be set before You like incense, my uplifted hands like the evening offering." The altar also signifies the holiness required in approaching God. The incense used was a specific blend, as outlined in Exodus 30:34-38, and was considered holy. Unauthorized use of this incense blend was strictly prohibited, underscoring the sanctity of worship and the reverence due to God. Priestly Duties and Atonement The high priest had specific duties related to the Altar of Incense, including making atonement for it once a year with the blood of the sin offering, as stated in Exodus 30:10: "Once a year Aaron is to make atonement on its horns. Throughout your generations, this is to be a most holy offering to the LORD." This annual atonement ritual highlights the altar's role in the broader system of sacrifices and offerings, serving as a reminder of the need for purification and reconciliation with God. New Testament Reflection In the New Testament, the Altar of Incense is alluded to in the Book of Revelation, where the prayers of the saints are depicted as incense before God (Revelation 5:8, 8:3-4). This imagery reinforces the continuity of the altar's symbolic meaning from the Old Testament to the New Testament, emphasizing the importance of prayer and intercession in the life of believers. The Altar of Incense, therefore, stands as a powerful symbol of worship, prayer, and the holiness required in approaching the divine presence, reflecting the deep spiritual truths that underpin the relationship between God and His people. Nave's Topical Index Leviticus 16:18And he shall go out to the altar that is before the LORD, and make an atonement for it; and shall take of the blood of the bullock, and of the blood of the goat, and put it on the horns of the altar round about. Nave's Topical Index Library The Story of the Angel by the Altar Sikera, a Manufactured and Spurious Wine, yet Intoxicating; Things ... The Altar of Incense The Double Altar, Widows and virgins; Gold the Symbol of virginity ... The Copies of Things in the Heavens The Day of Atonement The Annunciation of St. John the Baptist The Incense of Prayer The Birth of John Foretold. Chs. 1:5-25 Elijah Come Again Resources What does the Bible say about altar calls? Are altar calls biblical? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the significance of the horns of the altar (Amos 3:14)? | GotQuestions.org Why was the fire in the altar to burn continuously (Leviticus 6:13)? | GotQuestions.org Altar: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Altar in Solomon's Temple in Second Temple Altar in Solomon's Temple: Cleansed by Hezekiah Altar in Solomon's Temple: Description of Altar in Solomon's Temple: Ezekiel's Vision of Altar in Solomon's Temple: Furniture of, Taken to Babylon Altar in Solomon's Temple: Removed by Ahaz, and One of Idolatrous Fashion Substituted Altar in Solomon's Temple: Renewed by Asa Altar in Solomon's Temple: Repaired by Manasseh Altar in the Tabernacle: A Place of Refuge Altar in the Tabernacle: Constructed by Bezaleel Altar in the Tabernacle: Furniture of Altar in the Tabernacle: Horns of Altar in the Tabernacle: How Sanctified Altar in the Tabernacle: Location of Altar in the Tabernacle: Pattern of Altar in the Tabernacle: Sanctified Everything That Touched It Altar in the Tabernacle: Uses of the Horns Altar of Burnt offerings: Called Altar of God Altar of Burnt offerings: Called Altar of the Lord Altar of Burnt offerings: Called Brazen Altar Altar of Incense in Solomon's Temple Altar of Incense: A Cover Made For, of the Censers of Korah Altar of Incense: A Type of Christ Altar of Incense: Altar Before the Lord Altar of Incense: Altar of Sweet Incense Altar of Incense: Anointed With Holy Oil Altar of Incense: Atonement Made For, by the High Priest Once Every Year Altar of Incense: Called the Golden Altar Altar of Incense: Carried by Kohathites Altar of Incense: Covered by the Priest Before Removal from the Sanctuary Altar of Incense: Covered With Gold Altar of Incense: Dimensions of Altar of Incense: had Four Rings of Gold Under the Crown for the Staves Altar of Incense: How Prepared for Carrying Altar of Incense: No Strange Incense Nor Any Sacrifice to be offered On Altar of Incense: Placed Before the Vail in the Outer Sanctuary Altar of Incense: Punishment For: Offering Strange Fire On Altar of Incense: Punishment For: Unauthorised offering On Altar of Incense: Said to be Before the Lord Altar of Incense: Seen in John's Vision Altar of Incense: Staves of, Covered With Gold Altar of Incense: The Blood of all Sin offerings Put on the Horns of Altar of Incense: The Priest Burned Incense on Every Morning and Evening Altar of Incense: Top of, Surrounded With a Crown of Gold Altar used in Idolatrous Worship Altar: Built by the Reubenites and Gadites Altar: Mosaic Commandments Prescribing the Construction of The Altar of Burnt-Offering was Most Holy The Altar of Burnt-Offering: A Net-Working Grate of Brass Placed In The Altar of Burnt-Offering: A Type of Christ The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Ahaz Removed and Profaned The Altar of Burnt-Offering: All Gifts to be Presented At The Altar of Burnt-Offering: All Its Vessels of Brass The Altar of Burnt-Offering: All Sacrifices to be offered On The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Anointed and Sanctified With Holy Oil The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Called: The Altar of God The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Called: The Altar of the Lord The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Called: The Brazen Altar The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Cleansed and Purified With Blood The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Covered With Brass The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Dimensions of The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Furnished With Rings and Staves The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Horns on the Corners of The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Made After a Divine Pattern The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Nothing Polluted or Defective to be offered On The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Offering at the Dedication of The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Placed in the Court Before the Door of the Tabernacle The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Sacrifices Bound to the Horns of The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Sanctified by God The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Sanctified Whatever Touched It The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Blood of Sacrifices Put on the Horns and Poured at The The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Fire Upon was Continually Burning The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Fire Upon: Came from Before the Lord The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Fire Upon: Consumed the Sacrifices The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Jews Condemned for Swearing Lightly By The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Priests: Alone to Serve The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Priests: Derived Support From Related Terms Burnt-sacrifice (13 Occurrences) Burnt-offering (205 Occurrences) Meat-offerings (10 Occurrences) |
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