Topical Bible: Altar of Incense: Called the Golden Altar

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Altar of Incense, also known as the Golden Altar, 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, symbolizing the prayers 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 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 carrying, 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. 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 must burn the incense perpetually before the LORD for the generations to come." This daily ritual was a perpetual offering, symbolizing the continuous prayers and intercession of the priests on behalf of the people.

The incense used was a specific blend, as commanded in Exodus 30:34-38, and was considered holy. The burning of unauthorized incense or the use of the altar for any other purpose was strictly forbidden, as seen in the account of Nadab and Abihu in Leviticus 10:1-2, where they offered "unauthorized fire" and faced divine judgment.

Symbolism and Theological Significance

The Altar of Incense is rich in symbolism, representing the prayers and worship of the faithful rising to God. Psalm 141:2 reflects this imagery: "May my prayer be set before You like incense, my uplifted hands like the evening offering." The sweet aroma of the incense signifies the pleasing nature of sincere prayer and devotion to God.

In the New Testament, the imagery of incense continues to symbolize prayer. 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 in the heavenly realm.

Historical and Cultural Context

The Altar of Incense was an integral part of the Tabernacle, and later the Temple, serving as a focal point for the priestly ministry. Its placement in the Holy Place, just before the veil separating the Holy of Holies, underscores its role in mediating between God and His people. The altar's golden construction and the sacredness of its use highlight the holiness required in approaching God.

Throughout Israel's history, the proper use of the Altar of Incense was a measure of faithfulness to God's covenant. Instances of misuse or neglect often coincided with periods of spiritual decline, while restoration of its proper use marked times of renewal and reform, as seen in the reigns of righteous kings like Hezekiah and Josiah.

Conclusion

The Altar of Incense, or the Golden Altar, remains a profound symbol of prayer and worship in the biblical narrative. Its presence in the Tabernacle and Temple underscores the importance of approaching God with reverence and sincerity, a principle that continues to resonate in Christian worship today.

Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 39:38
And the golden altar, and the anointing oil, and the sweet incense, and the hanging for the tabernacle door,
Nave's Topical Index

Numbers 4:11
And on the golden altar they shall spread a cloth of blue, and cover it with a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put to the staves thereof:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Story of the Angel by the Altar
... might not be confused with Caesarea upon the seacoast this city was called
Caesarea-Philippi ... He was standing in front of the golden altar of incense, in the ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of the angel.htm

The First Part
... of the Dabir [4] , (for so the inmost recess is called in Hebrew ... Thusiasterion kedrinon,
kata prosopon tou dabeir," "the cedar altar of incense before the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the first part .htm

How
... twenty-fifth day of that month which is by us called Chasleu, and ... bare, and took
away the golden candlesticks, and the golden altar [of incense], and table ...
//christianbookshelf.org/josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 how.htm

What is the Sanctuary?
... of burnt-offering, the tabernacle itself consisted of two apartments called the
holy ... the holy from the most holy was the golden altar of incense, from which ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /23 what is the sanctuary.htm

The Meaning of the Seventh Seal, that Is, of the Seven Trumpets.
... half an hour;" that is, during the whole time of incense. ... filled a censer with fire
from the altar, and cast ... For thunderings are called qvlvt, that is, voices. ...
/.../mede/a key to the apocalypse/the meaning of the seventh.htm

What is the Sanctuary?
... of burnt offering, the tabernacle itself consisted of two apartments called the
holy ... the holy from the most holy was the golden altar of incense, from which ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 23 what is the.htm

The Copies of Things in the Heavens
... priests. Three articles stand in it: the table for the so- called shew-bread,
the great lampstand, and the golden altar of incense. Of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the copies of things in.htm

The Annunciation of St. John the Baptist
... While the sacrifice was prepared for the altar, the priests ... take place - that of
offering the incense, which symbolised ... 628] Henceforth he was called rich,' [629 ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iii the annunciation of.htm

Following the Cloud.
... called, had rings at the sides through which men laid strong rods by which to carry
it, and so had the golden table for bread, and the golden altar of incense. ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xii following the cloud.htm

The Birth of John Foretold. Chs. 1:5-25
... The time was "in the days of Herod," called "the Great," a monster ... Place at the hour
of prayer and there offer incense upon the golden altar just before ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/a the birth of john.htm