Heidi Norton
The altar of incense is first mentioned in Exodus chapter 30 as one of the items inside the Holy Place of the tabernacle. The altar of incense was made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold. It is no longer required for new covenant worship. However, it is often associated with prayer and is said to symbolize the prayers of God's people. The smoke from the incense is said to symbolize the prayers of God's people constantly ascending before the Lord.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Gold and acacia wood |
| Design | Designed by God and given to Moses |
| Location | Placed in the Holy Place outside the Most Holy Place |
| Function | Symbol of prayer and worship |
| Usage | Only authorized incense could be offered |
| Symbolism | Smoke from incense symbolises the prayers of God's people |
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What You'll Learn
The altar of incense and prayer
The altar of incense had a symbolic and practical purpose. Symbolically, it represented the work of prayer offered by the Israelites unto the Lord. The smoke from the incense, constantly rising from the altar, symbolized the prayers of God's people ascending to God, much like how our prayers rise to Him. This idea is expressed in Psalm 141:2, where David prays, "Let my prayer be set before you as incense."
Additionally, the altar of incense served a practical purpose in masking unpleasant odors, such as those from livestock, and providing a sweet-smelling fragrance. According to Jewish tradition, the aroma of the incense could be detected up to a quarter of a mile away from the Temple during the days of Jesus.
The altar of incense was also connected with sacrificial rituals. When a sin offering was required due to a failure on the part of the high priest, the blood of the offering was smeared on the horns of the incense altar. This act symbolized the purification of the altar and, by extension, the acceptance of the people's prayers through sacrifices.
Today, while the physical altar of incense may not be a requirement for new covenant worship, the act of burning incense continues to hold symbolic value. Incense is seen as a representation of our prayers rising up to Heaven, and its sweet fragrance is considered a pleasing sacrifice to God.
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The altar of incense and worship
The altar of incense has been a significant aspect of worship, with incense symbolizing the prayers of God's people rising up to Heaven. The practice of burning incense on an altar is rooted in the Bible, specifically in Exodus 30:1-10, which outlines the construction and use of the altar of incense. According to the passage, the altar was to be crafted from acacia wood overlaid with pure gold, reflecting the importance of authenticity and purity in worship.
Incense played a crucial role in the worship of the tabernacle and temple, where it symbolized the prayers and sacrifices offered to God. The smoke rising from the altar represented the ascension of prayers to God, as mentioned in Psalm 141:2, where David prays, "Let my prayer be set before you as incense." The sweet-smelling fragrance of the incense filled the holy place and extended beyond, serving as a reminder to Israel to pray and a sign of their prayers being presented to God.
The altar of incense was also connected with sacrificial rituals. In the case of a sin offering, the blood of the sacrifice was smeared on the horns of the incense altar, symbolizing atonement and purification. John Calvin commented on this, stating that "the altar of incense was purified by the sprinkling of blood, that they might learn that their prayers obtained acceptance through sacrifices."
Today, while the physical act of burning incense on an altar may not be as prevalent, the symbolism remains. Incense continues to represent acts of worship, prayer, and sacrifice, and engaging in these acts directs us toward God, allowing us to transcend the veil and enter into His presence. As the writer to the Hebrews says, "let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe" (Hebrews 12:28).
In conclusion, the altar of incense and worship are intricately linked, with the altar serving as a physical representation of the spiritual connection between God and His people. Through the symbolism of incense, believers are reminded of the importance of consistent prayer, praise, and worship in their relationship with God.
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The altar of incense and sacrifice
Incense played a significant role in both practical and symbolic ways. In a practical sense, incense could mask unpleasant odors, such as those from livestock. Symbolically, however, incense took on a deeper meaning, often being likened to the prayers of God's people. As the incense burned, the sweet-smelling fragrance that filled the holy place symbolized the prayers of the saints rising up to God. This idea is expressed in Psalm 141:2, where David prays, "Let my prayer be set before you as incense."
The altar of incense was also connected with sacrificial rituals. When a sin offering was required due to a failure by the high priest, the blood of the offering was smeared on the horns of the incense altar and poured out at its base. This act of sacrifice, combined with the burning of incense, served as a form of worship and a means of drawing closer to God.
In the New Testament, Jesus is depicted as the intercessor, much like the High Priest of the Tabernacle, asking God to protect his disciples from evil and to sanctify them. This new covenant worship no longer requires the burning of incense as the old priestly rituals have been replaced by what they symbolized—the prayers of the saints.
Today, the perfect sacrifice of Jesus ensures that God hears our prayers, and we can approach Him without fear, through the sprinkled blood of Christ, our mediator and atoning sacrifice.
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The altar of incense and the Old Testament
The altar of incense is first mentioned in the Old Testament, in Exodus chapter 30, as one of the items inside the Holy Place of the tabernacle. The altar was square-shaped, with each side measuring one cubit (approximately twenty inches, or just under two feet), and a height of two cubits. The altar was constructed using acia wood and gold, with four "horns" at each corner, similar to the altar of sacrifice in the courtyard. Gold rings were built into the altar, allowing it to be transported using acacia wood poles.
The altar of incense was placed alongside the lampstand and the table of showbread in the Holy Place outside the Most Holy Place. The lampstand provided light, and the table held the showbread, representing God's provision of light, bread, and other necessities for His people. In contrast, the altar of incense symbolized the work of prayer that the Israelites offered to the Lord.
Incense played a significant role in the worship of the tabernacle and temple. The recipe for the incense was specified by God, and only authorized incense could be burned on the altar (Ex. 30:9). The incense was burned day and night, and the ascending smoke symbolized the prayers of God's people rising up to Him. The priests, who were the only ones permitted to offer incense, served as mediators between the people and God, bringing their prayers into His presence.
The altar of incense was also connected with the sacrificial rituals of Israel. On the Day of Atonement, the high priest would smear the blood of a sin offering on the horns of the incense altar and pour it out at its base (Lev. 4:3-7). This ritual symbolized the purification of the altar and the acceptance of the people's prayers through sacrifices.
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The altar of incense and the New Testament
The altar of incense is first mentioned in Exodus chapter 30 as one of the items inside the Holy Place of the tabernacle. The altar was made of acia wood and overlaid with gold. It had four "horns", one at each corner, and rings of gold were built into it so that it could be transported. The altar of incense was placed before the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies.
The altar of incense was an essential part of the worship of the tabernacle and temple. Fine spices were mixed together and left to smolder on the altar day and night, with the smoke symbolizing that what was offered there went up to God. The priests served as mediators between the people and God, symbolically bringing their prayers into God's presence.
In the New Testament, the altar of incense is no longer required for new covenant worship. The old priestly rituals have been replaced by what they symbolized—the prayers of the saints. Jesus is our Great High Priest, and through Him, we can approach God without fear and without the need for a protective canopy of incense.
However, the symbolism of incense as a representation of prayer continues in the New Testament. In Revelation 5:8, John sees the elders around the throne holding "golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God's people". This is similar to Psalm 141:2, where David prays, "Let my prayer be set before you like incense".
Therefore, while the physical altar of incense may not be a part of New Testament worship, the concept of incense as a symbol of prayer remains relevant and instructive for Christians today.
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Frequently asked questions
The altar of incense is significant because it represents acts of worship, prayer, and sacrifice. The smoke from the incense symbolizes the prayers of God's people constantly ascending before the Lord.
The altar of incense was made from acacia or "shittim" wood overlaid with pure gold.
The altar of incense is connected to praise through prayer and worship. By engaging in acts of worship, praise, and prayer towards God, one can transcend the veil and enter into God's throne room, witnessing His glory.
