Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical tradition, incense holds significant spiritual symbolism and is intricately linked to the worship practices of ancient Israel. The offering of incense is a ritual act that is deeply embedded in the daily religious life of the Israelites, as prescribed in the Mosaic Law. This practice is primarily associated with the Tabernacle and later the Temple, serving as a fragrant offering to God and symbolizing the prayers of the people ascending to the divine presence.Biblical Prescription and Practice The offering of incense is commanded in the Book of Exodus, where God provides Moses with detailed instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle and its furnishings, including the Altar of Incense. The altar was to be placed before the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, directly in front of the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 30:1-6). The specific command for the offering of incense is found 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 passage establishes the twice-daily ritual of burning incense, both in the morning and in the evening, as an enduring ordinance for the priesthood. Symbolism and Significance The burning of incense is rich in symbolic meaning. It represents the prayers and intercessions of the people rising to God, as suggested in Psalm 141:2 : "May my prayer be set before You like incense, my uplifted hands like the evening offering." The fragrant smoke ascending from the altar serves as a tangible representation of the spiritual communion between the worshipers and the divine. The morning and evening offerings of incense also underscore the importance of regular, disciplined worship and the continual presence of God among His people. This practice highlights the rhythm of daily devotion and the centrality of prayer in the life of the covenant community. Priestly Role and Regulations The responsibility for offering incense was entrusted to the Aaronic priesthood, emphasizing the mediatory role of the priests between God and the people. The priests were required to follow strict regulations regarding the preparation and offering of incense, as outlined in Exodus 30:34-38. The composition of the incense was to be unique and sacred, reserved exclusively for worship, and any unauthorized use was strictly prohibited. The offering of incense was not only a ritual duty but also a profound act of worship, reflecting the holiness and reverence due to God. The priests, as mediators, facilitated this sacred interaction, ensuring that the worship of Israel was conducted in accordance with divine instructions. Historical and Theological Context Throughout Israel's history, the offering of incense remained a central element of worship, continuing into the period of the First and Second Temples. The practice is mentioned in various historical and prophetic texts, indicating its enduring significance in the religious life of the nation. Theologically, the offering of incense points to the ultimate fulfillment of worship in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who, as the Great High Priest, offers the perfect intercession on behalf of humanity. The imagery of incense in the New Testament, particularly in the Book of Revelation, further underscores its eschatological significance, symbolizing the prayers of the saints in the heavenly realm (Revelation 5:8, 8:3-4). In summary, the offering of incense morning and evening is a profound expression of worship, symbolizing the prayers and devotion of God's people, and reflecting the continual presence and holiness of God in the midst of His covenant community. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 30:7,8And Aaron shall burn thereon sweet incense every morning: when he dresses the lamps, he shall burn incense on it. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Altar of Incense Spiritual Sacrifices Annunciation to Zacharias of the Birth of John the Baptist. How Throughout all the East the Services of Tierce, Sext, and None ... The Day of Atonement In God's Name I Beseech You Let Prayer Nourish Your Soul as Your ... "Be Ye Therefore Sober, and Watch unto Prayer. " Under the Fig-Tree. The Conversion of Cornelius. The Axe at the Root --A Testimony against Puseyite Idolatry 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) |
    |