Topical Encyclopedia The Altar of Incense, also known as the Golden Altar, holds significant importance in the religious practices and rituals of ancient Israel, particularly within the context of Solomon's Temple. This sacred altar was a central element in the worship and sacrificial system established by God for the Israelites, serving as a place where incense was burned daily as an offering to the Lord.Biblical Description and Specifications The Altar of Incense was located in the Holy Place of Solomon's Temple, positioned before the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, or the Holy of Holies. According to the biblical account, the altar was made of acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold, signifying its sacred purpose and the divine presence it represented. The altar was square in shape, measuring one cubit in length and width, and two cubits in height, with horns on each of its four corners (1 Kings 6:20-22; Exodus 30:1-3). Function 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. The incense was a specific blend of spices, as commanded by God, and was to be burned every morning and evening by the priests (Exodus 30:7-8). This ritual was a perpetual ordinance, emphasizing the continual intercession and worship of the Israelites. The burning of incense on this altar was a sacred duty, and only the priests were permitted to perform this task. The incense offering was considered a most holy act, and any deviation from the prescribed ritual was met with severe consequences, as demonstrated in the account of Nadab and Abihu, who offered unauthorized fire before the Lord and were consumed by fire as a result (Leviticus 10:1-2). Symbolism and Theological Significance The Altar of Incense holds deep symbolic meaning within the biblical narrative. The rising smoke of the incense is often interpreted as a representation of the prayers and worship of the faithful ascending to God. This imagery is echoed in the Psalms, where David writes, "May my prayer be set before You like incense, my uplifted hands like the evening offering" (Psalm 141:2). Furthermore, the Altar of Incense is seen as a foreshadowing of the intercessory work of Jesus Christ, who, as the Great High Priest, continually intercedes for believers before the throne of God (Hebrews 7:25). The altar's placement before the veil also signifies the barrier between God and humanity, a barrier that was ultimately torn down through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Christ, granting believers direct access to the Father (Matthew 27:51; Hebrews 10:19-22). Historical and Cultural Context In the broader cultural and historical context, the use of incense in religious rituals was common in the ancient Near East. However, the specific instructions given to the Israelites set their practices apart, emphasizing the holiness and distinctiveness of their worship. The Altar of Incense in Solomon's Temple thus served as a constant reminder of the covenant relationship between God and His people, and the call to holiness and obedience in their worship practices. References in Scripture The Altar of Incense is mentioned in several key passages throughout the Old Testament, including the detailed instructions for its construction and use in Exodus 30:1-10, its presence in the Tabernacle and later in Solomon's Temple (1 Kings 6:20-22; 1 Chronicles 28:18), and its role in the daily worship practices of the priests (Exodus 30:7-8). These references underscore its enduring significance in the religious life of Israel and its theological implications for understanding the nature of worship and intercession. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 6:19,20And the oracle he prepared in the house within, to set there the ark of the covenant of the LORD. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 7:48 1 Chronicles 28:18 Library Solomon's Temple Spiritualized The Temple and Its Dedication Books of the Hebrew Canon. The Annunciation of Jesus the Messiah, and the Birth of his ... Christ Glorified as the Builder of his Church Jeroboam In the House of his Heavenly, and in the Home of his Earthly ... The Destruction of Jerusalem. The Destruction of Jerusalem The Greater Prophets. 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) |