Topical Encyclopedia 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 situated in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle, directly in front of the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies. This altar was used for burning incense, a symbol of the prayers of the people ascending to God.Construction and Design The instructions for the construction of the Altar of Incense are detailed in the Book of Exodus. The altar was made of acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold, signifying its sacred purpose and the holiness required in approaching God. The dimensions of the altar were a cubit in length and width, and two cubits in height, with horns on its four corners (Exodus 30:1-3). Staves of the Altar The staves, or poles, used for carrying the Altar of Incense were also made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold. These staves were inserted into rings on the sides of the altar, allowing it to be transported as the Israelites journeyed through the wilderness. The use of gold to cover the staves emphasized the altar's sanctity and the reverence due to it. The staves were to remain in the rings of the altar and were not to be removed, ensuring that the altar could be moved without being touched directly by human hands (Exodus 30:4-5). Symbolism and Function The Altar of Incense served a critical role in the daily worship practices of the Israelites. Aaron, the high priest, was instructed to burn fragrant incense on the altar every morning and evening, coinciding with the lighting of the lamps (Exodus 30:7-8). This act symbolized the continual prayers and intercessions of the people rising before God. The incense itself was a special blend, considered holy, and was not to be used for any other purpose (Exodus 30:34-38). The staves, covered with gold, not only facilitated the practical aspect of transporting the altar but also underscored the divine presence and the sacredness of the worship being conducted. The use of gold, a precious and incorruptible metal, reflected the purity and glory of God, to whom the prayers and incense were directed. Theological Significance In the broader theological context, the Altar of Incense and its staves point to the mediatory role of the priesthood and the necessity of purity in approaching God. The altar's position before the veil signifies the barrier between God and humanity, a barrier that would ultimately be removed through the atoning work of Jesus Christ. The continual offering of incense prefigures the unceasing intercession of Christ on behalf of believers, as described in the New Testament (Hebrews 7:25). The Altar of Incense, with its staves covered in gold, thus serves as a profound symbol of worship, intercession, and the holiness required in the presence of God, reflecting the deep spiritual truths that underpin the worship practices of ancient Israel and their fulfillment in the New Covenant. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 30:5And you shall make the staves of shittim wood, and overlay them with gold. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Solomon's Temple Spiritualized The Fifth Day in Passion-Week - Make Ready the Passover!' The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem: The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Church Fabrics and Services. The Reaction against Egypt The Close of the Theban Empire --(Continued) The Last Days of the Old Eastern World Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ... Resources What is an altar? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the brazen altar? | GotQuestions.org What was the significance of the altar of incense? | GotQuestions.org Altar: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Altar in Solomon's Temple in Second Temple Altar in Solomon's Temple: Cleansed by Hezekiah Altar in Solomon's Temple: Description of Altar in Solomon's Temple: Ezekiel's Vision of Altar in Solomon's Temple: Furniture of, Taken to Babylon Altar in Solomon's Temple: Removed by Ahaz, and One of Idolatrous Fashion Substituted Altar in Solomon's Temple: Renewed by Asa Altar in Solomon's Temple: Repaired by Manasseh Altar in the Tabernacle: A Place of Refuge Altar in the Tabernacle: Constructed by Bezaleel Altar in the Tabernacle: Furniture of Altar in the Tabernacle: Horns of Altar in the Tabernacle: How Sanctified Altar in the Tabernacle: Location of Altar in the Tabernacle: Pattern of Altar in the Tabernacle: Sanctified Everything That Touched It Altar in the Tabernacle: Uses of the Horns Altar of Burnt offerings: Called Altar of God Altar of Burnt offerings: Called Altar of the Lord Altar of Burnt offerings: Called Brazen Altar Altar of Incense in Solomon's Temple Altar of Incense: A Cover Made For, of the Censers of Korah Altar of Incense: A Type of Christ Altar of Incense: Altar Before the Lord Altar of Incense: Altar of Sweet Incense Altar of Incense: Anointed With Holy Oil Altar of Incense: Atonement Made For, by the High Priest Once Every Year Altar of Incense: Called the Golden Altar Altar of Incense: Carried by Kohathites Altar of Incense: Covered by the Priest Before Removal from the Sanctuary Altar of Incense: Covered With Gold Altar of Incense: Dimensions of Altar of Incense: had Four Rings of Gold Under the Crown for the Staves Altar of Incense: How Prepared for Carrying Altar of Incense: No Strange Incense Nor Any Sacrifice to be offered On Altar of Incense: Placed Before the Vail in the Outer Sanctuary Altar of Incense: Punishment For: Offering Strange Fire On Altar of Incense: Punishment For: Unauthorised offering On Altar of Incense: Said to be Before the Lord Altar of Incense: Seen in John's Vision Altar of Incense: Staves of, Covered With Gold Altar of Incense: The Blood of all Sin offerings Put on the Horns of Altar of Incense: The Priest Burned Incense on Every Morning and Evening Altar of Incense: Top of, Surrounded With a Crown of Gold Altar used in Idolatrous Worship Altar: Built by the Reubenites and Gadites Altar: Mosaic Commandments Prescribing the Construction of The Altar of Burnt-Offering was Most Holy The Altar of Burnt-Offering: A Net-Working Grate of Brass Placed In The Altar of Burnt-Offering: A Type of Christ The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Ahaz Removed and Profaned The Altar of Burnt-Offering: All Gifts to be Presented At The Altar of Burnt-Offering: All Its Vessels of Brass The Altar of Burnt-Offering: All Sacrifices to be offered On The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Anointed and Sanctified With Holy Oil The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Called: The Altar of God The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Called: The Altar of the Lord The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Called: The Brazen Altar The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Cleansed and Purified With Blood The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Covered With Brass The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Dimensions of The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Furnished With Rings and Staves The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Horns on the Corners of The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Made After a Divine Pattern The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Nothing Polluted or Defective to be offered On The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Offering at the Dedication of The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Placed in the Court Before the Door of the Tabernacle The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Sacrifices Bound to the Horns of The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Sanctified by God The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Sanctified Whatever Touched It The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Blood of Sacrifices Put on the Horns and Poured at The The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Fire Upon was Continually Burning The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Fire Upon: Came from Before the Lord The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Fire Upon: Consumed the Sacrifices The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Jews Condemned for Swearing Lightly By The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Priests: Alone to Serve The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Priests: Derived Support From Related Terms Burnt-sacrifice (13 Occurrences) Burnt-offering (205 Occurrences) Meat-offerings (10 Occurrences) |
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