Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, incense holds significant spiritual symbolism and is intricately linked to the worship practices of ancient Israel. The offering of incense, particularly with fire taken from the altar of burnt offering, is a practice that underscores the sanctity and reverence required in approaching God.Biblical Instructions and Symbolism The use of incense in worship is detailed in the Pentateuch, where God provides specific instructions to Moses regarding its composition and use. In Exodus 30:34-38, the LORD commands Moses to make a sacred incense blend, which is to be used exclusively for worship. This incense is a holy offering, symbolizing the prayers of the people ascending to God. The exclusivity and sanctity of this incense are emphasized, as it is forbidden for personal use. The fire used to burn the incense is to be taken from the altar of burnt offering, as described in Leviticus 16:12-13. This altar, located in the courtyard of the Tabernacle, is where sacrifices are made to atone for the sins of the people. The fire from this altar is considered holy, having been kindled by God Himself (Leviticus 9:24). By using this fire, the incense offering is sanctified, symbolizing the purification and acceptance of the worshipper's prayers. Priestly Duties and Regulations The priests, particularly Aaron and his descendants, are charged with the responsibility of offering incense. In Leviticus 10:1-2, the tragic account of Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, illustrates the severe consequences of deviating from God's commands. They offered "unauthorized fire" before the LORD, which He had not commanded, resulting in their immediate death. This incident underscores the importance of adhering strictly to divine instructions, highlighting the holiness required in worship. The daily offering of incense is a perpetual ordinance, as seen in Exodus 30:7-8, where Aaron is instructed to burn incense every morning and evening. This regular offering signifies the continual intercession and presence of God among His people. The Altar of Incense The altar of incense, located in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle, stands before the veil that separates the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. This positioning signifies the role of incense as a mediator between God and His people. The smoke of the incense, rising before the Ark of the Covenant, represents the prayers of the Israelites reaching the divine presence. New Testament Reflections In the New Testament, the imagery of incense continues to hold spiritual significance. In Revelation 8:3-4, an angel is depicted offering incense with the prayers of the saints on the golden altar before the throne of God. This imagery reinforces the concept of incense as a symbol of prayer and divine intercession. Conclusion The offering of incense with fire from the altar of burnt offering is a profound element of biblical worship, rich with symbolism and spiritual significance. It serves as a reminder of the holiness required in approaching God and the importance of obedience to His commands. Through the use of incense, the prayers of the faithful are symbolically purified and presented before the LORD, reflecting a deep and abiding relationship between the divine and His people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Leviticus 16:12And he shall take a censer full of burning coals of fire from off the altar before the LORD, and his hands full of sweet incense beaten small, and bring it within the veil: Torrey's Topical Textbook Numbers 16:46 Library The Day of Atonement The Day of Atonement The Copies of Things in the Heavens Of the Priesthood of Aaron. Whether a Suitable Cause Can be Assigned for the Ceremonies which ... The Temple and Its Dedication Spiritual Sacrifices Scriptural Types. What is the Sanctuary? What is the Sanctuary? 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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