Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Symbolism In the Bible, incense is often used as a symbol of prayer and worship, representing the sweet aroma of offerings made to God. The "Incense of Praise" can be understood as the act of offering praise and worship to God, likened to the fragrant incense that was burned in the tabernacle and temple as a pleasing aroma to the Lord. This concept underscores the importance of heartfelt worship and the spiritual act of lifting one's voice in adoration and thanksgiving to God. Biblical References The use of incense in worship is deeply rooted in the Old Testament. In Exodus 30:34-38, God provides Moses with a specific formula for making sacred incense, which was to be used exclusively for worship in the tabernacle: "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 incense was to be burned on the altar of incense, symbolizing the prayers of the people ascending to God. In the Psalms, the imagery of incense is often associated with prayer and praise. Psalm 141:2 states, "May my prayer be set before You like incense, my uplifted hands like the evening offering." . Here, the psalmist equates his prayers with the incense offering, suggesting that just as incense rises and fills the sanctuary with fragrance, so too do prayers and praises rise to God. New Testament Context In the New Testament, the symbolism of incense continues, particularly in the book of Revelation. Revelation 5:8 describes the heavenly scene where the twenty-four elders fall before the Lamb, each holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. This imagery reinforces the idea that the prayers and praises of believers are precious and pleasing to God, akin to the incense offerings of the Old Testament. Theological Significance The "Incense of Praise" highlights the spiritual act of worship as a vital component of the believer's relationship with God. It emphasizes that praise is not merely a ritualistic act but a sincere expression of reverence and gratitude. The fragrant aroma of incense serves as a metaphor for the beauty and acceptability of genuine worship before God. Practical Application For believers today, the concept of the "Incense of Praise" serves as a reminder to approach worship with sincerity and devotion. It encourages Christians to offer their praises as a continual sacrifice, as described in Hebrews 13:15: "Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise, the fruit of lips that confess His name." . This ongoing act of worship is a reflection of a life lived in gratitude and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and grace. Conclusion The "Incense of Praise" is a powerful biblical metaphor that underscores the importance of worship and prayer in the life of a believer. It calls Christians to offer their praises as a fragrant offering, pleasing to God and reflective of a heart devoted to Him. Nave's Topical Index Malachi 1:11For from the rising of the sun even to the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered to my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, said the LORD of hosts. Nave's Topical Index Library Prayers and Praise from a Pure Mind, Ceaselessly Offered, Far ... The Condescension of Christ The Pearl, Seven Hymns on the Faith. Hymn i. On a Certain Day a ... Prayer, Praise and Thanksgiving But Let There Be, as You Wish, Honour in Wine and in Incense... Sermon for the Third Sunday in Advent Inexcusable Irreverence and Ingratitude How the Desire to Praise God Makes us Aspire to Heaven. The Advanced Christian Reminded of the Mercies of God, and ... How we Should at all Times Praise God. Resources Can a Christian burn incense? What does the Bible say about burning incense? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the significance of the altar of incense? | GotQuestions.org What are the prayers of the saints in Revelation 5:8? | 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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