Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical tradition, the offering of incense holds significant liturgical and symbolic importance, particularly within the context of the Tabernacle and later the Temple worship. The practice of burning incense is deeply rooted in the covenantal relationship between God and His people, serving as a representation of prayer, sanctity, and divine presence.Biblical Instructions and Practice The command to offer incense is explicitly detailed in the Pentateuch, where God provides Moses with specific instructions regarding its preparation and use. In Exodus 30:7-8 , the Lord commands Aaron, the High Priest, to burn incense on the altar every morning and evening: "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." This twice-daily ritual underscores the perpetual nature of worship and the continuous intercession of the priesthood on behalf of the people. The incense offering is closely associated with the maintenance of the lampstand, symbolizing the light of God's presence and guidance. Composition and Sacredness The incense used in these offerings was a sacred blend, as described in Exodus 30:34-38. The Lord instructs Moses to use specific spices—stacte, onycha, galbanum, and pure frankincense—in equal measures. This holy incense was to be considered most sacred, and its use was strictly limited to the worship setting. The Israelites were forbidden from replicating this formula for personal use, under penalty of being cut off from their people, highlighting the incense's sanctity and exclusive dedication to God. Symbolism and Theological Significance Incense in the biblical context symbolizes the prayers of the faithful ascending to God. This is vividly illustrated in Psalm 141:2 , where David prays, "May my prayer be set before You like incense, my uplifted hands like the evening offering." The rising smoke of the incense represents the prayers and supplications of the people, reaching the divine throne. The offering of incense also signifies purification and consecration. Its fragrant aroma is a metaphor for the pleasing nature of sincere worship and devotion. The regularity of the incense offering—morning and evening—emphasizes the need for continual devotion and the constancy of God's presence among His people. New Testament Reflections While the New Testament does not prescribe the ritual offering of incense, the imagery persists, particularly in the Book of Revelation. In Revelation 5:8 , the prayers of the saints are depicted as incense: "And when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints." This continuity of symbolism from the Old to the New Testament reflects the enduring nature of prayer and worship as central to the life of faith. The incense offering, therefore, serves as a bridge between the Old Covenant practices and the New Covenant understanding of spiritual worship. Historical and Liturgical Context Historically, the offering of incense was a central element of the daily services in the Tabernacle and later the Temple in Jerusalem. The priests, descendants of Aaron, were responsible for maintaining this sacred duty, ensuring that the incense burned continually before the Lord. This practice was integral to the broader sacrificial system, which included burnt offerings, grain offerings, and peace offerings. In the post-exilic period, the offering of incense continued to be a vital part of Jewish worship, as evidenced by references in the intertestamental literature and the writings of Josephus. The destruction of the Second Temple in 70 AD marked the end of the formal ritual of incense offering, but its spiritual significance endures in both Jewish and Christian liturgical traditions. In summary, the offering of incense morning and evening in the biblical tradition is a profound expression of worship, symbolizing prayer, divine presence, and the sanctity of the covenantal relationship between God and His people. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 30:7,8And Aaron shall burn thereon sweet incense every morning: when he dresses the lamps, he shall burn incense on it. Nave's Topical Index 2 Chronicles 13:11 Library The Altar of Incense Spiritual Sacrifices Annunciation to Zacharias of the Birth of John the Baptist. How Throughout all the East the Services of Tierce, Sext, and None ... The Day of Atonement In God's Name I Beseech You Let Prayer Nourish Your Soul as Your ... "Be Ye Therefore Sober, and Watch unto Prayer. " Under the Fig-Tree. The Conversion of Cornelius. The Axe at the Root --A Testimony against Puseyite Idolatry Resources Who was King Uzziah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Dathan in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What were the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place in the temple / tabernacle? | 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) |
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