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 constructed as part of the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings, and later became a fixture in the Temple in Jerusalem.Biblical Specifications and Construction The instructions for the construction of the Altar of Incense are detailed in the Book of Exodus. According to Exodus 30:1-3 , the altar was to be made of acacia wood, a durable and resilient material, and overlaid with pure gold. The dimensions were specified as a square, measuring one cubit in length and width, and two cubits in height. The altar featured horns on its four corners, also overlaid with gold, symbolizing strength and power. Exodus 30:4-5 further describes the altar's design, including two gold rings beneath the molding on opposite sides to hold poles for carrying. These poles were also made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold, ensuring the altar could be transported as the Israelites moved. Purpose and Ritual Use The primary function of the Altar of Incense was to burn fragrant incense before the Lord, symbolizing the prayers of the people ascending to God. Exodus 30:7-8 instructs Aaron, the high priest, to burn incense on the altar every morning and evening when tending the lamps, establishing a perpetual incense offering before the Lord. The incense used was a specific blend, as outlined in Exodus 30:34-38 , composed of equal parts of stacte, onycha, galbanum, and pure frankincense. This sacred mixture was to be considered holy, and its use was strictly regulated, emphasizing the sanctity of worship and the reverence due to God. Symbolism and Theological Significance The Altar of Incense holds deep symbolic meaning within the context of Israelite worship. Positioned in the Holy Place, just before the veil separating the Holy of Holies, it served as a constant reminder of the need for intercession and the mediating role of the priesthood. The rising smoke of the incense represented the prayers and supplications of the people, ascending to God as a pleasing aroma. Theologically, the Altar of Incense underscores the importance of prayer and worship in maintaining a relationship with God. It highlights the necessity of purity and holiness in approaching the divine presence, as well as the role of the priest as an intermediary between God and His people. Historical Context and Legacy The Altar of Incense continued to play a vital role in the religious life of Israel throughout the period of the Tabernacle and into the era of the Temple. Its presence in the Temple, as described in 1 Kings 7:48 and 2 Chronicles 4:19, signifies the continuity of worship practices and the enduring importance of prayer and intercession in the life of the covenant community. In the New Testament, the imagery of incense and the altar is echoed in the Book of Revelation, where the prayers of the saints are depicted as incense before the throne of God (Revelation 5:8, 8:3-4). This continuity highlights the enduring significance of the Altar of Incense as a symbol of prayer and divine communion across both the Old and New Covenants. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 37:25-28And he made the incense altar of shittim wood: the length of it was a cubit, and the breadth of it a cubit; it was foursquare; and two cubits was the height of it; the horns thereof were of the same. Nave's Topical Index Library The First Part Whether Sufficient Reason Can be Assigned for the Ceremonies ... What is the Sanctuary? What is the Sanctuary? On Repentance and Remission of Sins, and Concerning the Adversary. The New Covenant. The Epistle to the Hebrews. The Second vision "On Earth" The Life of Mr. John Dickson. How to Read the Bible 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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