Topical Encyclopedia Incense, a fragrant substance often used in religious rituals and offerings, holds significant importance in biblical texts. The mention of incense being brought from Sheba highlights the region's historical role as a source of valuable and aromatic commodities.Biblical References: The land of Sheba, often associated with the modern regions of southern Arabia, is renowned in the Bible for its wealth and trade in precious goods, including incense. In Isaiah 60:6 , the prophet envisions a future where nations will come to Israel, bringing gifts: "Caravans of camels will cover your land—young camels of Midian and Ephah—all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and frankincense and proclaiming the praises of the LORD." This passage underscores Sheba's reputation as a supplier of incense, specifically frankincense, which was highly valued for its use in worship and anointing. Jeremiah 6:20 further emphasizes the significance of incense from Sheba: "What use to Me is frankincense from Sheba or sweet cane from a distant land? Your burnt offerings are not acceptable; your sacrifices do not please Me." Here, the prophet Jeremiah conveys God's displeasure with the people's insincere worship, despite their use of costly incense from Sheba. This highlights the notion that true worship is not merely about external offerings but the sincerity of the heart. Cultural and Historical Context: Sheba's prominence in the incense trade is supported by historical and archaeological evidence. The region was part of the ancient incense route, a network of trade paths that facilitated the transport of spices and aromatic resins from southern Arabia to the Mediterranean and beyond. Incense, particularly frankincense and myrrh, was a highly sought-after commodity in the ancient world, used in religious ceremonies, embalming, and as a luxury item. The Queen of Sheba's visit to King Solomon, as recorded in 1 Kings 10:1-2 , further illustrates the wealth and significance of Sheba: "Now when the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to test him with difficult questions. She arrived in Jerusalem with a very large caravan—with camels bearing spices, gold in great abundance, and precious stones." This account not only highlights the opulence of Sheba but also its role in the exchange of goods and ideas. Theological Significance: In the biblical narrative, incense symbolizes prayer and worship. Psalm 141:2 states, "May my prayer be set before You like incense, my uplifted hands like the evening offering." The use of incense in the Tabernacle and Temple rituals, as described in Exodus 30:7-8 , where Aaron is instructed to burn incense every morning and evening, signifies the continual offering of prayers to God. The mention of incense from Sheba in the Bible serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of the ancient world and the role of trade in the dissemination of cultural and religious practices. It also underscores the importance of genuine worship, as the value of incense lies not in its cost or origin but in the devotion it represents. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 6:20To what purpose comes there to me incense from Sheba, and the sweet cane from a far country? your burnt offerings are not acceptable, nor your sacrifices sweet to me. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Nations of the South-East Chapter xxv The Quotation in Matt. Ii. 6. The Sinner's Friend Hebrews vi. 13-16 Christ Glorified as the Builder of his Church Letter Lxxix. To Salvina. All Fulness in Christ "Thou Art Now the Blessed of the Lord. " Walking with God Resources Who was King Uzziah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Dathan in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What were the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place in the temple / tabernacle? | GotQuestions.org Incense: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Incense for God's Service Mixed With Sweet Spices Incense of an Acceptable Sacrifice Incense used in Idolatrous Worship Incense: An Article of Extensive Commerce Incense: Common, not to be offered to God Incense: Compounded by Bezaleel Incense: Designed for Atonement Incense: Formula for Compounding Incense: Korah and his Company Punished for offering Incense: Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Incense: Levites had Charge of Incense: Nadab and Abihu Destroyed for offering, With Strange Fire Incense: None But Priest to offer Incense: Offered by Nadab and Abihu in an Unauthorized Manner Incense: Offered by the High Priest in the Most Holy Place on the Day of Incense: Offered in Idolatrous Worship Incense: Offered Morning and Evening Incense: Offered with Fire from off the Altar of Burnt offering Incense: Offered: Morning and Evening Incense: Offered: On the Altar of Gold Incense: Offering of, Allotted to the Priests Incense: Presented by the Wise Men to Jesus Incense: Presented to Christ by the Wise Men Incense: Put on Meat offerings Incense: Symbolical of the Prayers of Saints Incense: The Jews Prayed at Time of offering Incense: The Jews: Not Accepted in offering, on Account of Sin Incense: The Jews: Offered, to Idols on Altars of Brick Incense: The Jews: Punished for offering, to Idols Incense: Uzziah Punished for offering Related Terms Incense-burners (1 Occurrence) |
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