Topical Encyclopedia Incense holds a significant place in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of atonement and worship. In the Old Testament, incense is closely associated with the sacrificial system and the priestly duties within the Tabernacle and later the Temple. The use of incense is intricately linked to the concept of atonement, serving as a symbol of prayer, purification, and the presence of God.Biblical Instructions and Symbolism The instructions for the use of incense are detailed in the Pentateuch, particularly in the books of Exodus and Leviticus. In Exodus 30:34-38, God provides Moses with a specific formula for the sacred incense, which was to be used exclusively for worship purposes. The ingredients included stacte, onycha, galbanum, and pure frankincense, blended in equal measures. This sacred mixture was to be burned on the Altar of Incense, located in the Holy Place before the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. The burning of incense was a daily ritual performed by the priests, as described in Exodus 30:7-8: "And Aaron shall 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 perpetual offering of incense symbolized the continuous prayers and intercessions of the people ascending to God. Incense and Atonement The connection between incense and atonement is particularly evident on the Day of Atonement, as outlined in Leviticus 16. On this solemn day, the high priest would enter the Most Holy Place to make atonement for himself and the people of Israel. Leviticus 16:12-13 describes how the high priest was to take a censer full of burning coals from the altar before the LORD and two handfuls of finely ground fragrant incense and bring them inside the veil. The incense was then placed on the fire before the LORD, and its smoke would cover the mercy seat, preventing the high priest from seeing the presence of God directly and thus protecting him from death. This act of burning incense was not merely ceremonial but carried profound theological significance. The fragrant smoke served as a protective barrier, symbolizing the intercession and mediation necessary for sinful humanity to approach a holy God. It underscored the need for atonement and the role of the priest as a mediator between God and His people. New Testament Reflections While the New Testament does not prescribe the use of incense in Christian worship, the imagery of incense continues to hold spiritual significance. In Revelation 5:8 and 8:3-4, incense is associated with the prayers of the saints, rising before God as a pleasing aroma. This imagery reinforces the idea that the prayers of believers are heard and valued by God, echoing the Old Testament symbolism of incense as a representation of prayer and intercession. Conclusion In summary, incense in the Bible is intricately connected to the themes of worship, prayer, and atonement. Its use in the Tabernacle and Temple rituals underscores the holiness of God and the necessity of mediation and atonement for sinful humanity to approach Him. Through the fragrant smoke of incense, the prayers and intercessions of God's people ascend to Him, symbolizing a continuous and pleasing offering in His presence. Torrey's Topical Textbook Numbers 16:46,47And Moses said to Aaron, Take a censer, and put fire therein from off the altar, and put on incense, and go quickly to the congregation, and make an atonement for them: for there is wrath gone out from the LORD; the plague is begun. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Day of Atonement Covenanting Provided for in the Everlasting Covenant. What is the Sanctuary? What is the Sanctuary? Exodus The Impotence of the Law. Introductory Notice to the Early Liturgies. Scriptural Types. The Powers of Darkness Walking with God 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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