Topical Encyclopedia Incense holds a significant place in the religious practices of ancient Israel, particularly in the context of prayer and worship. The use of incense is deeply rooted in the traditions and commandments given to the Israelites, serving as a symbol of the prayers of the people ascending to God.Biblical Foundation The practice of burning incense is established in the Torah, where God commands Moses regarding the construction and use of the altar of incense. In Exodus 30:7-8 , it is written: "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 perpetually before the LORD for the generations to come." This daily ritual underscores the importance of incense in the worship life of Israel, symbolizing a continual offering of prayer and devotion. Symbolism and Significance Incense in the biblical context is often associated with the prayers of the faithful. In Psalm 141:2 , David expresses this connection: "May my prayer be set before You like incense, my uplifted hands like the evening offering." This verse highlights the symbolic nature of incense as a representation of prayer, rising to God as a pleasing aroma. The Book of Revelation also reflects this symbolism, where the prayers of the saints are depicted as incense before God. Revelation 8:3-4 states: "Another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, along with the prayers of all the saints, on the golden altar before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, rose up before God from the hand of the angel." The Role of the Priests The priests, particularly the high priest, played a crucial role in the offering of incense. The burning of incense was a sacred duty, performed with great care and reverence. The high priest would enter the Holy Place to burn incense on the altar, especially on the Day of Atonement, as described in Leviticus 16:12-13 : "Then he must 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. He is to put the incense on the fire before the LORD, and the cloud of incense will cover the mercy seat above the Testimony, so that he will not die." Incense and Prayer Times The offering of incense was closely linked to the times of prayer. The Jewish people would often pray during the morning and evening sacrifices, coinciding with the burning of incense. This practice is exemplified in the New Testament, where Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, is described as performing his priestly duty of burning incense while the people prayed outside (Luke 1:9-10): "He was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. And at the hour of the incense offering, the entire congregation was praying outside." Conclusion The use of incense in Jewish worship is a profound expression of the desire for communion with God. It serves as a tangible representation of the prayers of the faithful, ascending to the divine presence. Through the ritual of incense, the Israelites were reminded of the holiness of God and the importance of maintaining a life of prayer and devotion. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 1:10And the whole multitude of the people were praying without at the time of incense. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Meaning of the Seventh Seal, that Is, of the Seven Trumpets. How Judas Overthrew the Forces of Apollonius and Seron and Killed ... The Book of John Concerning the Falling Asleep of Mary. The Angels of the Advent. Of the Priesthood of Aaron. The Conversion of Cornelius. Psalm CXLI. The Purification of Mary The Canons of the Holy and Altogether August Apostles. "All Our Righteousnesses are as Filthy Rags, and we all do Fade as ... 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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