The censer is a liturgical implement used in biblical times for burning incense, a practice deeply rooted in the worship rituals of ancient Israel. The use of the censer is primarily associated with the tabernacle and later the temple, serving as a symbol of prayer and the presence of God.

Biblical References and Description

The censer is first mentioned in the context of the tabernacle, as described in the book of Exodus. God commanded Moses to make a golden altar of incense, and the censer was used to carry the burning coals from the altar of burnt offering to the altar of incense (Exodus 30:1-10). The censer itself was typically a small, portable vessel, often made of metal, designed to hold burning coals and incense.

In Leviticus 16:12-13, the high priest is instructed 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. This act was part of the Day of Atonement rituals, symbolizing the prayers of the people ascending to God.

The censer also appears in the narrative of Korah's rebellion in Numbers 16. Here, censers are used by Korah and his followers in an unauthorized attempt to offer incense before the LORD, resulting in divine judgment. The censers of the rebellious men were later hammered into sheets to overlay the altar, serving as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience (Numbers 16:36-40).

Symbolism and Significance

The censer holds significant symbolic meaning in biblical worship. It represents the prayers of the saints rising to God, as seen in Psalm 141:2, "May my prayer be set before You like incense, my uplifted hands like the evening offering." This imagery is echoed in the New Testament, where the prayers of the saints are likened to incense in Revelation 5:8 and 8:3-4.

The use of the censer underscores the holiness required in approaching God. The fragrant smoke of the incense signifies the pleasing aroma of righteous prayers and worship, while the fire represents the purifying presence of God. The censer, therefore, is a powerful reminder of the need for purity and reverence in worship.

New Testament Context

While the physical use of the censer is not explicitly mentioned in the New Testament, its symbolic significance continues. The book of Hebrews draws on the imagery of the tabernacle and its furnishings, including the altar of incense, to illustrate the superior priesthood of Christ (Hebrews 9:4). Christ's intercessory role is seen as the fulfillment of the incense offering, with His sacrifice providing believers direct access to God.

In Revelation, the censer appears in the heavenly vision, where an angel offers incense with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne (Revelation 8:3-5). This scene emphasizes the ongoing role of prayer in the life of the church and the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.

Conclusion

The censer, as a biblical artifact, serves as a profound symbol of prayer, worship, and the presence of God. Its use in the tabernacle and temple rituals highlights the importance of approaching God with reverence and purity, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture and finds its ultimate expression in the person and work of Jesus Christ.