Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionIncense holds a significant place in the religious practices of ancient Israel, particularly in the context of making atonement. The use of incense is intricately linked with the worship and sacrificial system established by God for His people. It symbolizes prayer, sanctification, and the divine presence, playing a crucial role in the rituals of atonement as prescribed in the Old Testament. Biblical Foundation The use of incense in making atonement is primarily detailed in the Pentateuch, where God provides specific instructions to Moses regarding its composition and use. In Exodus 30:34-38, the LORD commands Moses to make a sacred incense blend, stating, "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 incense was to be placed before the Testimony in the Tent of Meeting, where God would meet with His people. Role in Atonement Incense was integral to the Day of Atonement, the most solemn day in the Jewish calendar, as described in Leviticus 16. On this day, the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies to make atonement for himself and the people of Israel. Leviticus 16:12-13 instructs, "Then 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" . The cloud of incense served as a protective covering, symbolizing the prayers of the people ascending to God and shielding the high priest from the direct presence of the divine. Symbolism and Significance Incense in the context of atonement is rich with symbolism. It represents the prayers and intercessions of the people, as seen in Psalm 141:2, "May my prayer be set before You like incense, my uplifted hands like the evening offering" . The fragrant smoke ascending to heaven signifies the acceptance of these prayers by God. Moreover, the incense's role in the Holy of Holies underscores the holiness required to approach God, emphasizing the need for purification and sanctification. New Testament Perspective While the New Testament does not prescribe the use of incense in Christian worship, the imagery of incense continues to hold spiritual significance. In Revelation 8:3-4, incense is associated with the prayers of the saints: "Another angel, who had 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 continuity of incense as a symbol of prayer and divine intercession. Conclusion The use of incense in making atonement is a profound element of the Old Testament sacrificial system, symbolizing prayer, purification, and the presence of God. Its role in the Day of Atonement and its enduring symbolism in the New Testament underscore its importance in the spiritual life of God's people. Nave's Topical Index Leviticus 16:12,13And he shall take a censer full of burning coals of fire from off the altar before the LORD, and his hands full of sweet incense beaten small, and bring it within the veil: Nave's Topical Index Numbers 16:46,47 Luke 1:10 Library The Day of Atonement Christ's Priestly Office A Call to Prayer and Testimony 'The Scapegoat' Exodus The Covenant of an Everlasting Priesthood Walking with God Our Watchword Penitence Jesus Defends Disciples who Pluck Grain on the Sabbath. 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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