Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionIn the biblical context, incense holds significant spiritual symbolism and is intricately linked to the worship practices of ancient Israel. The burning of incense on the Golden Altar, located in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple, was a central element of the priestly duties and served as a fragrant offering to the LORD. Biblical Description The Golden Altar, also known as the Altar of Incense, was situated in the Holy Place, just before the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies. The construction and use of this altar are detailed in the Book of Exodus. "You are to make an altar of acacia wood for the burning of incense" (Exodus 30:1). The altar was overlaid with pure gold, signifying its sacred purpose and the holiness required in approaching God. Purpose and Symbolism The incense burned on this altar was a special blend, as prescribed by God, and was not to be used for any other purpose. "Take fragrant spices—gum resin, onycha, and galbanum—and pure frankincense, all in equal measures" (Exodus 30:34). This unique mixture symbolized 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." The daily offering of incense was a perpetual ordinance, signifying the continual intercession and presence of God among His people. "Aaron must burn fragrant incense on it every morning when he tends the lamps" (Exodus 30:7). This act of worship was a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and Israel, emphasizing purity, devotion, and the need for atonement. Priestly Role and Regulations Only the priests, specifically the descendants of Aaron, were permitted to offer incense on the Golden Altar. This exclusivity underscored the sanctity of the act and the holiness required of those who approached God. Unauthorized offerings, such as those made by Nadab and Abihu, resulted in severe consequences, highlighting the importance of obedience to God's commands (Leviticus 10:1-2). The incense offering was also associated with the Day of Atonement, when the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies. The smoke of the incense would cover the mercy seat, symbolizing the covering of sin and the intercession for the people (Leviticus 16:12-13). New Testament Fulfillment In the New Testament, the imagery of incense continues to hold spiritual significance. The Book of Revelation depicts the prayers of the saints as incense before God: "And the smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, rose up before God from the hand of the angel" (Revelation 8:4). This connection underscores the continuity of worship and the fulfillment of the Old Testament practices in the person and work of Jesus Christ, our High Priest. Conclusion The burning of incense on the Golden Altar was a profound act of worship, rich in symbolism and deeply rooted in the covenant relationship between God and His people. It served as a constant reminder of the need for holiness, intercession, and the sweet aroma of a life devoted to God. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 30:1-7And you shall make an altar to burn incense on: of shittim wood shall you make it. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 40:5,27 2 Chronicles 2:4 2 Chronicles 32:12 Library The Story of the Angel by the Altar The Seventh Seal. The Double Altar, Widows and virgins; Gold the Symbol of virginity ... The Incense of Prayer The Birth of John Foretold. Chs. 1:5-25 The Ministry of Intercession Under the Fig-Tree. The Golden Lampstand A Son is Promised to Zechariah The Altar of Incense 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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