The Altar of Incense, also known as the Golden Altar, 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 focal point for the offering of incense to God. This altar was strategically placed before the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, or the Holy of Holies, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept.

Biblical Description and Construction

The instructions for the construction of the Altar of Incense are detailed in Exodus 30:1-10. The altar was 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 covered in gold, and a gold molding around its top. Two gold rings were attached to its sides to hold poles for carrying, ensuring it could be transported with the rest of the Tabernacle furnishings.

Function and Ritual Use

The primary function of the Altar of Incense was to burn fragrant incense before the Lord, symbolizing the prayers of the people ascending to God. Exodus 30:7-8 states, "And 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 perpetually before the LORD for the generations to come." This daily ritual was a perpetual ordinance, emphasizing the continual nature of prayer and intercession.

The incense used was a specific blend, as commanded in Exodus 30:34-38, and was considered holy. Unauthorized use of this incense blend for personal purposes was strictly prohibited, highlighting its sacredness.

Symbolism and Theological Significance

The Altar of Incense holds deep symbolic meaning within the context of Israelite worship. Positioned before the veil, it served as a reminder of the barrier between God and humanity due to sin, while simultaneously representing the hope of reconciliation through intercession. The rising smoke of the incense symbolized the prayers of the faithful reaching God, as echoed in Psalm 141:2 : "May my prayer be set before You like incense, my uplifted hands like the evening offering."

In the New Testament, the imagery of incense continues to hold significance. Revelation 8:3-4 describes an angel offering incense with the prayers of the saints before the throne of God, reinforcing the connection between incense and prayer.

Priestly Role and Regulations

The responsibility of maintaining the Altar of Incense fell to the priests, specifically the high priest, who was tasked with ensuring the incense was burned regularly. Leviticus 16:12-13 describes the high priest taking a censer full of burning coals from the altar before the LORD and two handfuls of finely ground fragrant incense to bring inside the veil on the Day of Atonement, further emphasizing the altar's role in atonement and intercession.

Historical Context and Continuity

The Altar of Incense was a constant fixture in both the Tabernacle and Solomon's Temple, underscoring its enduring role in Israelite worship. Its presence in the Temple, as described in 1 Kings 7:48 and 2 Chronicles 4:19, continued the tradition established in the wilderness, maintaining the continuity of worship practices from the time of Moses through the monarchy.

In summary, the Altar of Incense was a vital element of the worship system established by God for the Israelites, serving as a powerful symbol of prayer, intercession, and the hope of divine communion. Its placement before the veil and its daily use by the priests highlight its central role in the spiritual life of the nation.Exodus 30:6
And you shall put it before the veil that is by the ark of the testimony, before the mercy seat that is over the testimony, where I will meet with you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 40:5,26
And you shall set the altar of gold for the incense before the ark of the testimony, and put the hanging of the door to the tabernacle.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Scriptural Types.
... In the ark beneath the mercy-seat were placed, by God's direction, the ... an angel is
represented as offering upon this golden altar much incense with the ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxvii scriptural types.htm

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