Topical Encyclopedia In the religious practices of ancient Israel, incense played a significant role, particularly in the rituals and ceremonies conducted in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple. The responsibility for the preparation, maintenance, and offering of incense was entrusted to the Levites, a tribe set apart for the service of the Lord.Biblical Foundation The use of incense in worship is first detailed in the instructions given to Moses on Mount Sinai. In Exodus 30:34-38, God provides a specific formula for the sacred incense, which was to be used exclusively for worship purposes. The composition included spices such as stacte, onycha, galbanum, and pure frankincense, blended in equal measures. This incense was considered holy, and its use was strictly regulated. Role of the Levites The Levites, descendants of Levi, one of the twelve sons of Jacob, were chosen by God to serve in various capacities related to the Tabernacle and later the Temple. Among their duties was the care and offering of incense. Numbers 3:5-10 outlines the general responsibilities of the Levites, emphasizing their role in assisting Aaron and his sons, the priests, in the service of the Tabernacle. The specific task of burning incense was primarily the duty of the priests, who were a subset of the Levites, descended from Aaron. However, the broader Levitical family played a crucial role in supporting these priestly functions. They were responsible for the preparation and maintenance of the sacred incense, ensuring that it was available and properly handled according to divine instructions. Incense in Worship The burning of incense was a daily ritual, performed both in the morning and at twilight, as described in Exodus 30:7-8: "And Aaron is to 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 as a regular incense offering before the LORD throughout your generations" . This act symbolized the prayers of the people ascending to God, as reflected in Psalm 141:2: "May my prayer be set before You like incense, my uplifted hands like the evening offering" . Significance and Symbolism Incense in the biblical context is rich with symbolism. It represents the prayers and intercessions of the faithful rising to God, a sweet aroma pleasing to the Lord. The Levites, in their service, facilitated this vital aspect of worship, ensuring that the sacred space was prepared and that the offerings were made in accordance with God's commands. The careful regulation of incense use underscores its sanctity and the importance of approaching God with reverence and obedience. The Levites, through their dedicated service, played an essential role in maintaining the holiness and order of Israel's worship practices, as ordained by God. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Chronicles 9:29Some of them also were appointed to oversee the vessels, and all the instruments of the sanctuary, and the fine flour, and the wine, and the oil, and the frankincense, and the spices. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Charge of the Watchers in the Temple How Athaliah Reigned Over Jerusalem for Five [Six] Years when ... The Levites Ought to be Utterly Free from all Earthly Desires. ... Of the Birth of John, and of his Alleged Identity with Elijah. Of ... The Presentation of the Blessed virgin in the Temple On the Management of the Resources Collected for the Support of ... Political Religion Jehoshaphat Who is the Greatest? Were Christ and the Apostles Mistaken? Resources Can a Christian burn incense? What does the Bible say about burning incense? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the significance of the altar of incense? | GotQuestions.org What are the prayers of the saints in Revelation 5:8? | 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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