Topical Encyclopedia Frankincense, a fragrant gum resin obtained from trees of the genus Boswellia, holds significant importance in biblical texts and ancient religious practices. Its use as an incense is deeply rooted in the worship and rituals of the Israelites, as well as in the broader cultural and religious contexts of the ancient Near East.Biblical References and Usage Frankincense is frequently mentioned in the Bible, particularly in the context of worship and offerings. In the Old Testament, it is one of the key ingredients in the sacred incense used in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple. Exodus 30:34-35 provides specific instructions for its use: "Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Take fragrant spices—gum resin, onycha, and galbanum—and pure frankincense, all in equal measures, and make a fragrant blend of incense, the work of a perfumer, seasoned with salt, pure and holy.'" The use of frankincense in the Tabernacle and Temple was not merely for its pleasant aroma but served a symbolic purpose. It represented the prayers of the people ascending to God, as seen in Psalm 141:2 : "May my prayer be set before You like incense, my uplifted hands like the evening offering." Symbolism and Significance Frankincense's role as an incense in biblical worship underscores its symbolic significance. It is often associated with purity and holiness, reflecting the sanctity required in approaching God. The burning of incense was a daily ritual, as described in Exodus 30:7-8 : "And Aaron is to burn fragrant incense on it every morning when he tends the lamps. When Aaron sets up the lamps at twilight, he must burn the incense perpetually before the LORD for the generations to come." In addition to its use in the Tabernacle and Temple, frankincense was also part of the offerings brought by the Magi to the infant Jesus, as recorded in Matthew 2:11 : "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 symbolized Jesus' priestly role and foreshadowed His sacrificial death. Cultural and Historical Context In the ancient world, frankincense was a highly valued commodity, often traded along the incense routes that connected the Arabian Peninsula with the Mediterranean and beyond. Its use extended beyond Israelite worship to include various religious and cultural practices throughout the region. The demand for frankincense was driven by its aromatic properties and its perceived spiritual significance. The procurement and preparation of frankincense were meticulous processes, reflecting its esteemed status. The resin was harvested by making incisions in the bark of Boswellia trees, allowing the sap to harden into beads or "tears" that were then collected. These beads were burned as incense or ground into powder for use in religious ceremonies. Theological Implications The use of frankincense as an incense in biblical worship highlights the importance of approaching God with reverence and purity. It serves as a reminder of the holiness required in worship and the need for intercession, as the smoke of the incense symbolized the prayers of the faithful rising to the divine presence. The inclusion of frankincense in the gifts of the Magi further emphasizes its theological significance, pointing to the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the recognition of Jesus as the Messiah. In summary, frankincense as an incense in the Bible is rich with symbolic meaning and historical context, reflecting its integral role in the worship practices of ancient Israel and its enduring significance in Christian theology. Nave's Topical Index Isaiah 43:23You have not brought me the small cattle of your burnt offerings; neither have you honored me with your sacrifices. I have not caused you to serve with an offering, nor wearied you with incense. Nave's Topical Index Isaiah 60:6 Isaiah 66:3 Jeremiah 6:20 Library Connection Between Covetousness and Idolatry. Certain Trades ... Annunciation to Zacharias of the Birth of John the Baptist. The Sethian Theory Concerning "Mixture" and "Composition ... Blessed is He Above all in his Birth! Five Catechetical Lectures the Same Author, Prayer Perfumed with Praise Notes On the Use of Ointments and Crowns. Folly of the Arguments Derived by the Heretics from Numbers ... The First-Fruits of the Gentiles Resources What is a grain offering? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that Jesus Christ is the cornerstone? | GotQuestions.org What is the Massacre of the Innocents? | 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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