Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, incense is often associated with prayer, symbolizing the prayers of the faithful rising to God. This imagery is deeply rooted in both the Old and New Testaments, where incense serves as a tangible representation of spiritual communication with the Divine.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, incense was a significant element in the worship practices of the Israelites. The Book of Exodus provides detailed instructions for the use of incense in the Tabernacle. Exodus 30:34-38 describes the composition of the sacred incense, which was to be burned on the altar of incense. This altar stood before the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, signifying the closeness of prayer to the presence of God. The burning of incense was a daily ritual performed by the priests, as outlined in Exodus 30:7-8: "Aaron is to 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 continually before the LORD for the generations to come." This perpetual offering of incense symbolized the continuous prayers of the people ascending to God. Symbolism in the Psalms The Psalms frequently use the imagery of incense to describe prayer. Psalm 141:2 states, "May my prayer be set before You like incense, my uplifted hands like the evening offering." Here, the psalmist draws a parallel between the rising smoke of incense and the ascent of prayer, emphasizing the desire for prayers to be pleasing and acceptable to God. New Testament Revelation In the New Testament, the symbolism of incense is further developed in the Book of Revelation. Revelation 5:8 describes a heavenly scene: "And when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints." This passage explicitly identifies incense with the prayers of the saints, illustrating the continuity of this symbolism from the Old Testament to the New. 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 imagery reinforces the idea that the prayers of believers are precious and are presented before God in a manner that is both sacred and pleasing. Theological Implications The use of incense as a metaphor for prayer underscores the importance of prayer in the life of the believer. It signifies the beauty and fragrance of sincere prayer, as well as its role in worship and communion with God. The rising smoke of incense serves as a reminder of the transcendence of prayer, bridging the earthly and the divine. In the broader biblical narrative, incense of prayer highlights the intimate relationship between God and His people, where prayer is not only a duty but a cherished act of devotion. Through the symbolism of incense, Scripture invites believers to approach God with reverence, confidence, and a heart full of faith, trusting that their prayers are heard and valued by the Almighty. Nave's Topical Index Psalm 141:2Let my prayer be set forth before you as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. Nave's Topical Index Strong's Hebrew 6279. athar -- to pray, supplicate... A primitive root (rather denominative from Ether); to burn incense in worship, ie Intercede (reciprocally, listen to prayer) -- intreat, (make) pray(-er). ... /hebrew/6279.htm - 6k Library The Incense of Prayer Prayer The Altar of Incense Prayer and Sacrifice Explained by the Similitude of a Perfume ... My Creed Leads Me to Think that Prayer is Efficacious... Whether Prayer is an Act of Religion? Of the Duties which we are to Perform after Receiving the Holy ... Expositions of Holy Scripture PMH Ware. Call to Prayer. Contents 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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