Topical Encyclopedia Incense, a fragrant substance that produces a pleasing aroma when burned, holds significant religious and cultural importance throughout the Bible. While incense is often associated with worship and prayer in the context of the tabernacle and temple rituals prescribed by God, it is also frequently mentioned in the context of idolatrous worship, which is condemned in Scripture.Old Testament Context The use of incense in idolatrous worship is explicitly condemned in the Old Testament. The Israelites, despite being chosen by God and given specific instructions on worship, often fell into the practices of surrounding nations, which included offering incense to false gods. This practice is seen as a direct violation of the first commandment, which prohibits the worship of other gods. In the book of Jeremiah, the prophet rebukes the people of Judah for burning incense to Baal and other gods. Jeremiah 11:12-13 states, "Then the cities of Judah and the residents of Jerusalem will go and cry out to the gods to whom they burn incense, but they will not save them at all in their time of disaster. Your gods are indeed as numerous as your cities, O Judah, and the altars you have set up to Shame—altars to burn incense to Baal—are as many as the streets of Jerusalem." Similarly, in Ezekiel 8:11 , the prophet is shown a vision of idolatrous practices within the temple itself: "Before them stood seventy elders of the house of Israel, and Jaazaniah son of Shaphan was standing among them. Each had a censer in his hand, and a fragrant cloud of incense was rising." Condemnation and Consequences The offering of incense to idols is consistently portrayed as an act of unfaithfulness to God. It is often linked with other forms of idolatry and apostasy, leading to severe consequences for the people of Israel. In 2 Kings 22:17 , God declares judgment upon Judah for their idolatrous practices: "Because they have forsaken Me and burned incense to other gods, provoking Me to anger with all the works of their hands, My wrath will be kindled against this place, and it will not be quenched." The prophets frequently warned that such practices would lead to destruction and exile. Isaiah 65:3 describes the rebellious nature of the people: "These people continually provoke Me to My face, offering sacrifices in gardens and burning incense on altars of brick." New Testament Reflection While the New Testament does not focus extensively on the practice of burning incense, it does address the broader issue of idolatry. The apostle Paul, in his letters, warns against the worship of idols and the practices associated with them. In 1 Corinthians 10:20 , Paul writes, "No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God. And I do not want you to be participants with demons." Theological Implications The offering of incense in idolatrous worship serves as a powerful symbol of the human tendency to turn away from the true God and seek fulfillment in false deities. It underscores the importance of fidelity to God's commandments and the dangers of syncretism, where the worship of the true God is mixed with pagan practices. The biblical narrative consistently calls God's people to exclusive devotion, warning that idolatry leads to spiritual and often physical ruin. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 12:23Speak to Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, king of Judah, and to all the house of Judah and Benjamin, and to the remnant of the people, saying, Nave's Topical Index Jeremiah 41:5 Ezekiel 8:11 Library Whether Sufficient Reason Can be Assigned for the Ceremonies ... Jeroboam The Second Commandment The Mystery "The House of Israel" Herod and Peter. On Idolatry Ahaz A Clearing-Up Storm in the Realm Five Catechetical Lectures the Same Author, Resources Can a Christian burn incense? What does the Bible say about burning incense? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the significance of the altar of incense? | GotQuestions.org What are the prayers of the saints in Revelation 5:8? | GotQuestions.org Incense: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Incense for God's Service Mixed With Sweet Spices Incense of an Acceptable Sacrifice Incense used in Idolatrous Worship Incense: An Article of Extensive Commerce Incense: Common, not to be offered to God Incense: Compounded by Bezaleel Incense: Designed for Atonement Incense: Formula for Compounding Incense: Korah and his Company Punished for offering Incense: Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Incense: Levites had Charge of Incense: Nadab and Abihu Destroyed for offering, With Strange Fire Incense: None But Priest to offer Incense: Offered by Nadab and Abihu in an Unauthorized Manner Incense: Offered by the High Priest in the Most Holy Place on the Day of Incense: Offered in Idolatrous Worship Incense: Offered Morning and Evening Incense: Offered with Fire from off the Altar of Burnt offering Incense: Offered: Morning and Evening Incense: Offered: On the Altar of Gold Incense: Offering of, Allotted to the Priests Incense: Presented by the Wise Men to Jesus Incense: Presented to Christ by the Wise Men Incense: Put on Meat offerings Incense: Symbolical of the Prayers of Saints Incense: The Jews Prayed at Time of offering Incense: The Jews: Not Accepted in offering, on Account of Sin Incense: The Jews: Offered, to Idols on Altars of Brick Incense: The Jews: Punished for offering, to Idols Incense: Uzziah Punished for offering Related Terms Incense-burners (1 Occurrence) |
    |