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 pattern for the Altar of Incense was divinely revealed to Moses on Mount Sinai, as part of the detailed instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle.Biblical Description and Specifications The instructions for the Altar of Incense are found in Exodus 30:1-10. According to the Berean Standard Bible , the altar was to be made of acacia wood, a durable and resilient material, and overlaid with pure gold, signifying its sacred purpose. The altar was to be square, measuring one cubit in length and width, and two cubits in height, with horns on its four corners. The top, sides, and horns were to be overlaid with gold, and a gold molding was to surround it. Exodus 30:3-4 states: "Overlay the top and all the sides and horns with pure gold, and make a gold molding around it. And make two gold rings below the molding on opposite sides to hold the poles used to carry it." The poles, also made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold, were inserted into these rings for transportation, emphasizing the altar's mobility and the Israelites' nomadic lifestyle. 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 (Exodus 40:5). This strategic placement underscored its role in the worship and sacrificial system. The altar was used exclusively for burning incense, a fragrant offering that symbolized the prayers of the people ascending to God. The incense was to be burned every morning and evening by the priest, coinciding with the lighting of the lamps on the Lampstand (Exodus 30:7-8). The incense used was a specific blend, as detailed in Exodus 30:34-38, and was considered holy. Unauthorized use of this incense blend was strictly prohibited, highlighting the sanctity of the worship practices and the seriousness with which God regarded His instructions. Symbolism and Theological Significance The Altar of Incense is rich in symbolism. The rising smoke of the incense represented the prayers and intercessions of the people, as seen in Psalm 141:2 : "May my prayer be set before You like incense, my uplifted hands like the evening offering." This imagery is further echoed in the New Testament, where the prayers of the saints are likened to incense in Revelation 5:8 and 8:3-4. The altar's location, just before the veil, signifies the closeness of the worshiper to the presence of God, yet also the separation due to sin. The incense offering was a daily reminder of the need for continual prayer and intercession, as well as the hope for reconciliation with God. Priestly Role and Rituals The responsibility of maintaining the Altar of Incense fell to the priests, who were to ensure that the incense burned perpetually. This duty was part of the broader priestly role of mediating between God and the people. The high priest, once a year on the Day of Atonement, would use the altar to make atonement by placing the blood of the sin offering on its horns (Exodus 30:10), symbolizing purification and the need for atonement in approaching a holy God. In summary, the Altar of Incense, with its divinely ordained pattern and function, served as a vital element in the worship life of Israel, pointing to the importance of prayer, intercession, and the hope of communion with God. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 30:1-5And you shall make an altar to burn incense on: of shittim wood shall you make it. Nave's Topical Index Library What is the Sanctuary? What is the Sanctuary? Elijah Come Again Whether Sufficient Reason Can be Assigned for the Ceremonies ... On the Management of the Resources Collected for the Support of ... Bezaleel and Aholiab. The Hebrew Character of the Book. Following the Cloud. On Repentance and Remission of Sins, and Concerning the Adversary. The Temple and Its Dedication Resources What is an altar? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the brazen altar? | GotQuestions.org What was the significance of the altar of incense? | 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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