Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Description:Incense, specifically referred to as frankincense in the Bible, is a fragrant gum resin obtained from trees of the genus Boswellia. It has been highly valued since ancient times for its aromatic properties and its use in religious and ceremonial contexts. Frankincense is characterized by its sweet, balsamic aroma and is often used in the form of granules or powder. Biblical References: Frankincense is mentioned numerous times throughout the Bible, signifying its importance in both worship and daily life in ancient Israel. It was a key component of the sacred incense used in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple in Jerusalem. · Exodus 30:34-36 : "Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Take fragrant spices—gum resin, onycha, and galbanum—and pure frankincense, all in equal measures, and make a fragrant blend of incense, the work of a perfumer, seasoned with salt, pure and holy. Grind some of it into fine powder and place it in front of the Testimony in the Tent of Meeting, where I will meet with you. It shall be most holy to you.'" This passage highlights the divine instructions given to Moses for creating a holy incense blend, emphasizing the sacredness and purity of frankincense as an offering to God. · Leviticus 2:1-2 : "When anyone presents an offering of grain to the LORD, his offering shall consist of fine flour. He is to pour olive oil on it, put frankincense on it, and bring it to Aaron’s sons the priests. The priest shall then take a handful of fine flour and oil, together with all the frankincense, and burn this memorial portion on the altar, an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD." Frankincense was also used in grain offerings, symbolizing the prayers and devotion of the people ascending to God as a pleasing aroma. · Matthew 2:11 : "On coming to the house, they saw the Child with His mother Mary, and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh." The Magi's gift of frankincense to the Christ child signifies its value and its association with worship and divinity, recognizing Jesus' role as priest and king. Symbolism and Significance: In the biblical context, frankincense symbolizes prayer, worship, and the presence of God. Its use in the Tabernacle and Temple rituals underscores its role in facilitating communication between the divine and the human. The rising smoke of burning incense is often seen as a metaphor for prayers ascending to heaven. · Psalm 141:2 : "May my prayer be set before You like incense, my uplifted hands like the evening offering." This verse poetically links the act of prayer with the offering of incense, illustrating the spiritual significance of frankincense as a medium of worship and supplication. Cultural and Historical Context: Frankincense was a valuable commodity in the ancient Near East, often traded along caravan routes from Arabia and East Africa to the Mediterranean. Its use extended beyond religious practices to include medicinal and embalming purposes. The high demand for frankincense contributed to the wealth of regions where it was produced. Theological Implications: The use of frankincense in biblical worship reflects the holiness and reverence due to God. It serves as a reminder of the need for purity and devotion in approaching the divine. The offering of frankincense by the Magi also foreshadows the recognition of Jesus' divine nature and His role in the salvation of humanity. In summary, frankincense holds a significant place in biblical tradition, symbolizing the connection between the earthly and the divine through worship, prayer, and sacrifice. Its enduring presence in Scripture highlights its importance in the spiritual life of God's people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Songs 4:6,14Until the day break, and the shadows flee away, I will get me to the mountain of myrrh, and to the hill of frankincense. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library But we are Called to Account as Harm-Doers on Another Ground... Of the Duties which we are to Perform after Receiving the Holy ... Connection Between Covetousness and Idolatry. Certain Trades ... Annunciation to Zacharias of the Birth of John the Baptist. The Redeemer's Prayer The Revelation of Peter. Introduction. Folly of the Arguments Derived by the Heretics from Numbers ... The Joy of Unbroken Communion Letter xix. --(For 347. ) Coss. Rufinus, Eusebius; Pr??f. The Same ... The Attack on the Book of Leviticus. Resources Who was Korah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the strange fire in Leviticus 10:1? | GotQuestions.org What is the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth? | 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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