Topical Encyclopedia The Altar of Incense, also known as the Altar of Sweet Incense, holds significant importance in the worship practices of ancient Israel as described in the Old Testament. This sacred object was located in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle, and later in the Temple, serving as a focal point for the offering of incense 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 a gold molding around its top and had four horns, one at each corner. Two gold rings were attached to its sides to hold poles for transportation, also made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold. Function and Ritual Use The primary function of the Altar of Incense was to burn fragrant incense before the Lord. This act symbolized the prayers of the people ascending to God. Exodus 30:7-8 states, "And Aaron shall burn fragrant incense on it every morning when he tends the lamps. When Aaron sets up the lamps at twilight, he shall burn the incense. There shall be perpetual incense before the LORD throughout your generations." The incense used was a specific blend, as commanded by God, and was considered holy. The formula for this incense is given in Exodus 30:34-38, and it was not to be used for any other purpose. The burning of incense was a daily ritual, performed by the high priest, signifying the continual intercession of the priesthood on behalf of the people. Symbolism and Theological Significance The Altar of Incense is rich in symbolism. The rising smoke of the incense represents the prayers and worship of the faithful, ascending to God as a pleasing aroma. 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 symbolize prayer and intercession. Revelation 8:3-4 describes an angel offering incense with the prayers of the saints on the golden altar before the throne of God, illustrating the continuity of this symbol from the Old Covenant to the New. Restrictions and Regulations The use of the Altar of Incense was strictly regulated. Unauthorized incense or offerings were prohibited, as seen in the account of Nadab and Abihu in Leviticus 10:1-2, where they offered "unauthorized fire" before the Lord and were consumed by fire as a result. This underscores the holiness and sanctity of the altar and the offerings made upon it. Role in the Day of Atonement On the Day of Atonement, the high priest would use the Altar of Incense in a special ritual. Leviticus 16:12-13 describes how the high priest would take a censer full of burning coals from the altar and two handfuls of finely ground fragrant incense, bringing them inside the veil to the Holy of Holies. The incense would create a cloud over the mercy seat, symbolizing the presence of God and providing a covering for the high priest as he made atonement for the sins of the people. The Altar of Incense, therefore, served as a vital component in the worship and sacrificial system of Israel, representing the perpetual prayers and intercession of God's people, and pointing forward to the ultimate intercession of Christ as our High Priest. Nave's Topical Index Leviticus 4:7And the priest shall put some of the blood on the horns of the altar of sweet incense before the LORD, which is in the tabernacle of the congregation; and shall pour all the blood of the bullock at the bottom of the altar of the burnt offering, which is at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. Nave's Topical Index Library The Altar of Incense Sikera, a Manufactured and Spurious Wine, yet Intoxicating; Things ... The Incense of Prayer The Double Altar, Widows and virgins; Gold the Symbol of virginity ... The Copies of Things in the Heavens Whether Sufficient Reason Can be Assigned for the Ceremonies ... Annunciation to Zacharias of the Birth of John the Baptist. January 2 Evening The Day of Atonement Elijah Come Again Resources Why was the altar in Joshua 22:10 34 such a big deal? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the significance of the altar King Ahaz built? | GotQuestions.org Why is Gideon referred to as Jerubbaal? | 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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