Topical Encyclopedia The Altar of Incense, also known as the Golden Altar, holds a significant place 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 Most Holy Place, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. The altar was used for burning incense, a practice that symbolized the prayers of the people ascending to God.Construction and Design The Altar of Incense was constructed according to specific divine instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai. It was made of acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold, signifying its sacred purpose and the holiness of God. The altar measured one cubit in length and width, and two cubits in height, making it a square structure with a height that was twice its width and length (Exodus 30:1-3). One of the most distinctive features of the Altar of Incense was the crown of gold that surrounded its top. This crown, or molding, was a decorative and functional element that set apart the altar as a holy object dedicated to the Lord. The crown of gold symbolized the divine authority and kingship of God, as well as the sanctity of the prayers offered upon it. Biblical References The instructions for the construction of the Altar of Incense are detailed in the Book of Exodus. The Lord commanded Moses, "You are to make an altar of acacia wood for the burning of incense. It is to be square, a cubit long and a cubit wide, and two cubits high; its horns must be of one piece. Overlay the top and all the sides and horns with pure gold, and make a gold molding around it" (Exodus 30:1-3). The altar's placement in the Tabernacle was also significant. It was positioned before the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, indicating its role in mediating between the people and God. The high priest was instructed to burn incense on the altar every morning and evening, symbolizing the continual prayers of the Israelites (Exodus 30:7-8). Symbolism and Significance The Altar of Incense, with its crown of gold, served as a powerful symbol of the relationship between God and His people. The incense offered on the altar represented the prayers and intercessions of the Israelites, rising to God as a pleasing aroma. This act of worship underscored the importance of prayer and the need for a mediator between humanity and the divine. The crown of gold surrounding the top of the altar further emphasized the holiness and sovereignty of God. It served as a reminder that the prayers of the people were directed to the King of kings, who reigns in majesty and glory. The altar's design and function pointed to the ultimate fulfillment of these symbols in Jesus Christ, who, as the Great High Priest, intercedes for believers and offers their prayers to the Father. In summary, the Altar of Incense, with its crown of gold, was a central element in the worship of ancient Israel, symbolizing the prayers of the people and the holiness of God. Its design and purpose continue to hold theological significance for understanding the nature of prayer and the role of Christ as our intercessor. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 30:3And you shall overlay it with pure gold, the top thereof, and the sides thereof round about, and the horns thereof; and you shall make to it a crown of gold round about. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 37:26 Library The Presentation of the Blessed virgin in the Temple The Nations of the South-East The Day of Atonement Epistle xviii. Reply of St. Ambrose to the Memorial of Symmachus.. ... Letter cxxx. To Demetrias. Concerning Persecution All the Bells were Ringing the Angelus. ... The Saints' Privilege and Profit; Saurin -- Paul Before Felix and Drusilla The Flight into Egypt and St. John the Baptist in the Desert 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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