Topical Bible: Altar of Incense: Carried by Kohathites

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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. It was a key component of the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings and later in the Temple in Jerusalem. The Altar of Incense was specifically designed for burning incense, symbolizing the prayers of the people ascending to God.

Design and Construction

The instructions for the construction of the Altar of Incense are detailed in Exodus 30:1-10. It was made of acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold, measuring a cubit in length and width and two cubits in height. The altar had horns on its four corners, and a gold molding surrounded its top. Two gold rings were attached to its sides to hold the poles used for carrying it. The altar was placed before the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, directly in front of the Ark of the Covenant.

Function and Ritual Use

The primary function of the Altar of Incense was to burn a special blend of incense, which was to be offered by the priest every morning and evening. This ritual is described in Exodus 30:7-8: "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 as a regular incense offering before the LORD throughout your generations" . The incense was a sacred mixture, and its composition was strictly regulated, as outlined in Exodus 30:34-38.

The burning of incense symbolized the prayers and intercessions of the people rising to God, as reflected in Psalm 141:2: "May my prayer be set before You like incense, my uplifted hands like the evening offering" . The Altar of Incense thus served as a vital link between the Israelites and their God, representing their devotion and communication with the Divine.

Role of the Kohathites

The Kohathites, one of the three clans of the Levites, were entrusted with the care and transportation of the most sacred objects of the Tabernacle, including the Altar of Incense. Numbers 4:15 specifies their duties: "When Aaron and his sons have finished covering the holy objects and all their furnishings as the camp sets out, the Kohathites are to come and carry them; but they must not touch the holy objects, or they will die" . The Kohathites were responsible for carrying the altar on their shoulders using the poles inserted through the rings, ensuring that the sacred items were transported with the utmost reverence and care.

Significance in Worship

The Altar of Incense played a crucial role in the daily worship and sacrificial system of Israel. It was a constant reminder of the need for purity and holiness in approaching God. The incense offering was a perpetual ordinance, signifying the continual need for prayer and intercession. The role of the Kohathites in carrying the altar underscores the importance of reverence and obedience in handling the sacred elements of worship.

In summary, the Altar of Incense, carried by the Kohathites, was a central element in the worship life of Israel, symbolizing the prayers of the people and the holiness required in approaching God. Its careful construction, prescribed use, and the specific duties assigned to the Kohathites highlight the reverence and sanctity associated with this sacred object.

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Numbers 3:27-31
And of Kohath was the family of the Amramites, and the family of the Izeharites, and the family of the Hebronites, and the family of the Uzzielites: these are the families of the Kohathites.
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