Topical Encyclopedia In the context of ancient Israelite worship, incense played a significant role in the sacrificial system established by God through Moses. The use of incense, particularly in conjunction with meat offerings, is a practice rooted in the instructions given in the Torah, specifically within the Levitical laws.Biblical Instructions and Symbolism The meat offering, also known as the grain offering, was a type of sacrifice that consisted of fine flour, oil, and frankincense. Leviticus 2:1-2 provides the foundational instructions for this offering: "When anyone presents an offering of grain to the LORD, his offering shall be 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 its frankincense, and burn this memorial portion on the altar, an offering made by fire, a pleasing aroma to the LORD." The inclusion of frankincense in the grain offering is significant. Frankincense, a fragrant resin, was a key component in the sacred incense used in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple. Its use in the grain offering symbolized the offering's consecration and dedication to God, transforming a simple gift of the earth into a spiritual act of worship. The burning of incense created a pleasing aroma, symbolizing the prayers and devotion of the worshiper ascending to God. Theological Implications The use of incense in the meat offering underscores the importance of purity and holiness in worship. The grain offering, devoid of leaven and honey (Leviticus 2:11), represented the purity required in approaching God. The addition of incense further emphasized the sanctity of the offering, as incense was associated with the divine presence and the prayers of the faithful. Psalm 141:2 echoes this sentiment: "May my prayer be set before You like incense, my uplifted hands like the evening offering." Moreover, the grain offering, accompanied by incense, was a voluntary act of worship, expressing gratitude and dedication to God. It was distinct from sin offerings and burnt offerings, which were mandatory and atoning in nature. The voluntary nature of the grain offering highlights the worshiper's desire to honor God out of love and reverence, rather than obligation. Historical and Cultural Context In the ancient Near East, incense was a valuable commodity, often associated with royalty and divinity. Its use in Israelite worship distinguished the worship of Yahweh from the practices of surrounding nations, where incense was often used in idolatrous rituals. The specific instructions regarding incense in the grain offering reflect a divinely ordained order, setting Israel apart as a holy nation dedicated to the one true God. The practice of adding incense to the grain offering continued throughout Israel's history, as evidenced by its mention in post-exilic texts and its symbolic presence in the New Testament. In Revelation 8:3-4 , incense is depicted as mingling with the prayers of the saints, ascending before God, reinforcing its enduring significance as a symbol of prayer and divine communion. Conclusion The use of incense in the meat offering is a profound element of Old Testament worship, rich in symbolism and theological meaning. It reflects the holiness and purity required in approaching God, the voluntary nature of true worship, and the distinct identity of Israel as a people set apart for divine service. Through the fragrant aroma of incense, the grain offering became a tangible expression of devotion, gratitude, and reverence to the Lord. Torrey's Topical Textbook Leviticus 2:1,2,15,16And when any will offer a meat offering to the LORD, his offering shall be of fine flour; and he shall pour oil on it, and put frankincense thereon: Torrey's Topical Textbook Leviticus 6:15 Library The Attack on the Book of Leviticus. Christ's Estimate of his People The Spiritual Life The Day of Atonement Covenanting Enforced by the Grant of Covenant Signs and Seals. Praises and Vows Accepted in Zion Scriptural Types. "The House of Israel" On Baptism. The Purification of the virgin and the Presentation in the Temple 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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