Topical Encyclopedia Incense holds a significant place in biblical worship and symbolism, particularly as a representation of the prayers of the saints ascending to God. The use of incense in the Bible is deeply rooted in the practices of the Old Testament and carries forward into the New Testament, where it takes on a more spiritual significance.Old Testament Usage In the Old Testament, incense was a critical component of the tabernacle and temple worship. God commanded Moses to make a special blend of incense for use in the Tent of Meeting, as described in Exodus 30:34-38. This incense was to be burned on the altar of incense, which stood before the veil separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. The burning of incense was a daily ritual, symbolizing the continual prayers and intercession of the priests on behalf of the people of Israel. The Psalmist captures the symbolic nature of incense in Psalm 141:2 : "May my prayer be set before You like incense, my uplifted hands like the evening offering." Here, the rising smoke of the incense is likened to the prayers of the faithful, ascending to God as a pleasing aroma. New Testament Revelation In the New Testament, the symbolism of incense is further developed, particularly in the book of Revelation. Revelation 5:8 describes a scene in heaven where the twenty-four elders fall down before the Lamb, each holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, "which are the prayers of the saints." This imagery underscores the idea that the prayers of believers are precious and are presented before God in a manner that is both sacred and pleasing. Revelation 8:3-4 provides another vivid depiction: "Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, along with the prayers of all the saints, on the golden altar before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, rose up before God from the hand of the angel." This passage highlights the intercessory role of angels and the divine attention given to the prayers of the faithful. Symbolism and Spiritual Significance The use of incense as a symbol for prayer emphasizes the idea of communication with God that is both intimate and reverent. Just as incense was a costly and carefully prepared offering, so too are the prayers of the saints considered valuable and significant in the eyes of God. The rising smoke of incense serves as a visual representation of prayers ascending to the divine, suggesting that they are heard and received by God. Furthermore, the fragrant aroma of incense symbolizes the purity and sincerity required in prayer. As incense was to be made according to a specific formula and used exclusively for worship, so are the prayers of the saints to be offered with a pure heart and genuine devotion. In summary, incense in the Bible is a powerful symbol of the prayers of the saints, representing their ascent to God as a fragrant offering. This symbolism underscores the importance of prayer in the life of believers and the assurance that their prayers are cherished and attended to by the Almighty. Nave's Topical Index Revelation 5:8And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odors, which are the prayers of saints. Nave's Topical Index Revelation 8:3,4 Library The Incense of Prayer Vision and SerVice Symbolic Ornaments of the Church Scriptural Types. A Clearing-Up Storm in the Realm The Divine Liturgy of James the Holy Apostle and Brother of the ... The Introduction: Chapter 1 The Axe at the Root --A Testimony against Puseyite Idolatry Faustus Repels the Charge of Sun-Worship The Priesthood of Christ 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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