Topical Encyclopedia Frankincense, a fragrant resin obtained from trees of the genus Boswellia, holds significant importance in biblical rituals and offerings. Its use is deeply rooted in the religious and cultural practices of ancient Israel, particularly in the context of offerings made to God as a memorial.Biblical References and Usage Frankincense is frequently mentioned in the Bible as a key component of offerings and incense. In the context of offerings, it is often associated with the grain offering, also known as the "meal offering" or "cereal offering." Leviticus 2:1-2 provides specific instructions: "When anyone presents an offering of grain to the LORD, his offering shall consist of fine flour. He is to pour olive oil on it, put frankincense on it, and bring it to Aaron’s sons the priests. The priest shall then take a handful of fine flour and oil, together with all the frankincense, and burn this memorial portion on the altar, an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD." The inclusion of frankincense in offerings served multiple purposes. It was not only a symbol of purity and holiness but also a means to create a pleasing aroma, signifying the acceptability of the offering to God. The "memorial portion" mentioned in Leviticus highlights the role of frankincense in making the offering a remembrance before the Lord, ensuring that the worshiper’s devotion and petition were brought to divine attention. Symbolism and Spiritual Significance Frankincense's use in offerings is rich with symbolism. Its fragrance, when burned, represents the prayers and intercessions of the people ascending to God. This is echoed in Psalm 141:2 , "May my prayer be set before You like incense, my uplifted hands like the evening offering." The burning of frankincense thus becomes a metaphor for the spiritual act of prayer and worship, creating a connection between the earthly and the divine. Moreover, frankincense's association with purity and holiness is underscored by its use in the sacred incense of the Tabernacle, as described in Exodus 30:34-36 : "Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Take fragrant spices—gum resin, onycha, and galbanum—and pure frankincense, in equal measures, and make a fragrant blend of incense, the work of a perfumer, seasoned with salt, pure and holy. Grind some of it into fine powder and place it in front of the Testimony in the Tent of Meeting, where I will meet with you. It shall be most holy to you.'" Frankincense in the New Testament The significance of frankincense extends into the New Testament, where it is one of the gifts presented to the Christ child by the Magi. Matthew 2:11 states, "On coming to the house, they saw the Child with His mother Mary, and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh." This gift symbolizes Christ's priestly role and foreshadows His sacrificial death, as frankincense was used in temple worship and offerings. Conclusion Frankincense, with its rich aroma and symbolic depth, plays a crucial role in the biblical tradition of offerings. Its use in making an offering of memorial underscores the importance of purity, prayer, and the desire for divine remembrance. Through its presence in both the Old and New Testaments, frankincense continues to be a powerful symbol of worship and devotion in the Christian faith. Nave's Topical Index Numbers 5:15Then shall the man bring his wife to the priest, and he shall bring her offering for her, the tenth part of an ephah of barley meal; he shall pour no oil on it, nor put frankincense thereon; for it is an offering of jealousy, an offering of memorial, bringing iniquity to remembrance. Nave's Topical Index Library An Unalterable Law The Box of Ointment. Questions About the Nature and Perpetuity of the Seventh-Day ... A Discourse of Mercifulness Solomon's Temple Spiritualized The Water of Life; The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem: Resources What is Epiphany / Three Kings' Day and should Christians celebrate it? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about purity? | GotQuestions.org Questions about Christmas | GotQuestions.org Frankincense: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Frankincense in Making an offering of Memorial Frankincense used As an Incense Frankincense used With Meat offerings Frankincense used With Showbread Frankincense: An Ingredient of the Sacred Oil Frankincense: Prohibited, in Sin offerings when They Consist of Turtledoves or Pigeons Related Terms Meal-offerings (9 Occurrences) Meal-offering (120 Occurrences) Fire-offering (45 Occurrences) Meat-offering (111 Occurrences) |
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