Topical Encyclopedia The Perfume-Altar, also known as the Altar of Incense, holds significant importance in the worship practices of ancient Israel as described in the Old Testament. It was a key component of the Tabernacle, and later the Temple, serving as a place where incense was burned as an offering to God. This altar symbolizes the prayers of the people ascending to the Lord, representing a continual act of worship and intercession.Biblical Description and Construction The instructions for the construction of the Perfume-Altar are detailed in Exodus 30:1-10. The altar was to be made of acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold, measuring a cubit in length and width, and two cubits in height. It featured horns on its four corners, also overlaid with gold, and a gold molding around it. The altar was equipped with gold rings and poles for transport, signifying its portability during the Israelites' wilderness journey. Placement and Function The Perfume-Altar was placed in the Holy Place, in front of the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (Exodus 30:6). Its location underscores its role in mediating between the people and God. The high priest was instructed to burn incense on the altar every morning and evening, coinciding with the trimming of the lamps (Exodus 30:7-8). This regular offering of incense was a perpetual ordinance, symbolizing the constant prayers and worship of the Israelites. Significance in Worship The incense used on the Perfume-Altar was a specific blend, as commanded by God, and was considered holy (Exodus 30:34-38). Unauthorized use of this incense was strictly prohibited, emphasizing the sanctity of worship and the need for obedience to divine instructions. The burning of incense represented the prayers 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." Atonement and Purification Once a year, on the Day of Atonement, the high priest was to make atonement on the horns of the Perfume-Altar with the blood of the sin offering (Exodus 30:10). This act of purification was necessary to cleanse the altar from the impurities of the Israelites, maintaining its holiness and the acceptability of their prayers before God. New Testament Reflection In the New Testament, the imagery of incense continues to symbolize prayer. Revelation 8:3-4 describes an angel offering incense with the prayers of the saints before the throne of God, illustrating the continuity of this symbol from the Old Covenant to the New. The Perfume-Altar thus serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of prayer and the need for a mediator between humanity and the divine. The Perfume-Altar, with its rich symbolism and prescribed use, underscores the holiness of God and the reverence required in approaching Him. It highlights the centrality of prayer in the life of the believer and the necessity of atonement and purification in maintaining a relationship with the Almighty. Concordance Perfume-altar (1 Occurrence)Exodus 37:25 Thesaurus Perfume-altar (1 Occurrence)Perfume-altar. Perfume, Perfume-altar. Perfume-boxes . Multi-Version Concordance Perfume-altar (1 Occurrence). Exodus ... /p/perfume-altar.htm - 6k Perfume-boxes (1 Occurrence) Perfume (202 Occurrences) Maketh (399 Occurrences) Resources What is an altar? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the brazen altar? | GotQuestions.org What was the significance of the altar of incense? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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