Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionIn the biblical context, incense holds significant spiritual and ceremonial importance, particularly in the worship practices of the Israelites. The use of incense by priests is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, where it is associated with the sacred rituals of the Tabernacle and later the Temple. Incense symbolizes prayer, sanctity, and the presence of God, serving as a fragrant offering that ascends to the divine. Biblical Foundation The use of incense is first introduced in the Book of Exodus, where God provides Moses with detailed instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings. Among these instructions is the command to make an altar of incense. Exodus 30:1-8 describes the altar and its purpose: "You are also to make an altar of acacia wood for the burning of incense... Aaron must 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 again. There is to be incense burned regularly before the LORD for the generations to come." Composition and Sacredness The incense used by the priests was a specific blend of spices, as outlined in Exodus 30:34-38 : "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.'" This sacred mixture was not to be replicated for personal use, emphasizing its sanctity and exclusive purpose for worship. Symbolism and Function Incense in the priestly context symbolizes the prayers of the people ascending to God. Psalm 141:2 reflects this symbolism: "May my prayer be set before You like incense, my uplifted hands like the evening offering." The fragrant smoke represents the spiritual connection between the divine and the earthly, serving as a tangible reminder of God's presence and the holiness required in worship. Priestly Duties and Rituals The responsibility of burning incense was entrusted to the priests, specifically the high priest, as part of their daily duties. This ritual was performed twice daily, in the morning and at twilight, as part of the regular offerings. The burning of incense was also a key component of the Day of Atonement, as described in Leviticus 16:12-13 : "He is to take a censer full of burning coals from the altar before the LORD and two handfuls of finely ground fragrant incense, and bring them inside the veil. He is to put the incense on the fire before the LORD, and the cloud of incense will cover the mercy seat above the Testimony, so that he will not die." New Testament Perspective While the New Testament does not prescribe the use of incense in Christian worship, the imagery of incense continues to hold symbolic significance. In Revelation 8:3-4 , incense is associated with the prayers of the saints: "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." Conclusion The use of incense by priests in the Bible underscores the importance of holiness, prayer, and the divine presence in worship. It serves as a powerful symbol of the connection between God and His people, illustrating the sacredness of the priestly role and the rituals that facilitate communion with the Almighty. Nave's Topical Index 1 Chronicles 9:30And some of the sons of the priests made the ointment of the spices. Nave's Topical Index Library But Let There Be, as You Wish, Honour in Wine and in Incense... April the Sixteenth Priests of the Lord A Son is Promised to Zechariah The Incense of Prayer The Altar of Incense Annunciation to Zacharias of the Birth of John the Baptist. The Day of Atonement The Mystic Meaning of the Tabernacle and Its Furniture. The Day of Atonement Whether Sufficient Reason Can be Assigned for the Ceremonies ... 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) |
    |