Antonio Mcgowan
The altar of incense has been a part of religious practices for centuries, with references in the Bible to its use in worship and prayer. The altar of incense is often seen as a symbol of the prayers of God's people, with the smoke from the incense representing their prayers rising to God. In this ritual, the incense was burned with fire from the altar of burnt offerings, and the fragrance was always present. The Bible also stipulates that only specific incense could be burned on the altar, and it was to be used solely for worship. Today, the altar of incense is no longer required for new covenant worship, but it remains a powerful symbol of prayer and faith for many.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Incense ingredients | Frankincense, myrrh, galbanum |
| Incense placement | On the golden altar |
| Incense timing | Every morning and evening |
| Incense offering | Done by priests |
| Incense significance | Symbol of the prayers of God's people |
| Incense in the Bible | Psalm 141:2, Luke 1:8-13, Revelation 8:3-4 |
| Incense in new covenant worship | Not required |
| Incense altar in Feed The Beast game | Provides bonus LP when self-sacrificing |
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What You'll Learn
The symbolic role of the altar of incense
The altar of incense is a symbol of the prayers of God's people rising to God. In the Bible, David prayed, "May my prayer be set before you like incense" (Psalm 141:2), and in his vision of heaven, John saw the elders around the throne holding "golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God's people" (Revelation 5:8; cf. 8:3).
The sweet-smelling smoke from the incense represented the people's prayers ascending to God. The incense was burned continuously, reminding the Israelites that they should always pray and that prayer must play a central role in their lives. The incense was also a symbol of Christ's mediation on behalf of humanity. Just as the incense was a sweet-smelling savour to God, so too are the prayers of believers, made acceptable through the blood of Christ.
The altar of incense was considered holy and was situated in the Holy Place, between the golden lampstand and the table of showbread. It was made of acacia wood, overlaid with pure gold, and stood about 18 inches square by 36 inches high. On each corner was a horn that was dabbed with blood during the annual Day of Atonement. The incense burned on this altar was sacred and made from a special mixture of gum resin, a tree sap; onycha, made from a Red Sea shellfish; and galbanum, the sap of the "ferula" shrub.
The altar of incense was a place where priests served as mediators between the people and God, bringing the prayers of the people into His presence. However, with the coming of Christ, believers can now approach God directly through Him, our Great High Priest, without the need for priestly mediators.
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The recipe for the incense
Another crucial ingredient is frankincense, which is combined with galbanum in equal parts. This mixture is then placed upon the golden altar, as instructed in the Bible (Exodus 30:7, 8, and 36). The incense is offered twice daily, in the morning and at twilight, ensuring a continuous presence of its fragrance.
The incense blend is further enhanced by the addition of myrrh, which is incorporated into anointing oil. The combination of gold, frankincense, and myrrh holds a special significance, as referenced in various religious texts and traditions.
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The altar's placement
The placement of your altar of incense is an important consideration. Firstly, ensure that you choose a location that is meaningful to you and that you feel comfortable in. This could be a quiet and private space in your home, such as a corner of your bedroom or a spot in your garden. If you have an altar table, make sure there is enough space for it, and consider how you want to orient it. Some people like to align their altars with a specific direction, such as north, south, east, or west, depending on their spiritual tradition or personal preference.
When placing your altar, consider the energy of the space. Incense altars are often associated with creating a sacred and peaceful atmosphere, so try to choose a calm and serene location. Avoid areas with strong energy flows or high traffic to maintain the tranquility of your altar space. Additionally, take into account the practical aspects, such as ensuring that there is enough ventilation in the area to allow the incense smoke to dissipate properly.
If you plan to include other items on your altar, such as crystals, candles, or sacred objects, make sure there is enough room to display them. The arrangement of these items on the altar can be personalized, but it is common to place taller items at the back and smaller items at the front for a visually pleasing setup. You may also want to consider the symbolism and significance of the placement of each item. For example, some people place candles in the center to represent light and warmth or position crystals in a way that aligns with their metaphysical properties.
The altar's height is another factor to consider. Traditionally, altars are often placed at a slightly higher level, symbolizing their importance and creating a sense of reverence. You can achieve this by placing your altar on a small table or platform. However, if you prefer a more grounded and intimate connection, you may choose to have your altar at a lower level, closer to the earth.
Remember, the placement of your altar of incense is a personal choice, and there is no single correct way to do it. Trust your intuition and make adjustments as you see fit. The most important aspect is that the space resonates with you and enhances your spiritual practice.
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The timing of incense burning
The perpetual burning of incense on the altar symbolised the perpetual nature of Christ's mediation and the idea that we should always be praying. This is further emphasised in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, where it is stated that we should pray continually. The constant presence of incense fragrance serves as a reminder of God's constant presence, encouraging believers to seek and show His presence at all times.
In addition to the daily offerings, the altar of incense was also associated with sacrificial rituals. On the Day of Atonement, the high priest would smear the blood of a sin offering on the horns of the altar of incense to cleanse it (Leviticus 16:12). This annual ritual emphasised the holiness of the altar and the importance of atonement for our prayers to be accepted by God.
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The role of the priest
The priest is also responsible for the careful preparation and compounding of the incense itself. In Exodus, God provides a specific recipe for the incense, which includes equal parts of four precious spices: stacte, onycha, galbanum, and frankincense. The priest ensures that this holy formula is followed and that the incense is burned with the proper fire, taken from the altar of burnt offerings outside the sanctuary.
Furthermore, the priest has a crucial role in maintaining the altar's sanctity and purification. On the Day of Atonement, the priest would smear the blood of a sin offering on the horns of the altar and pour it out at its base, cleansing it from the accumulated pollution of the people's sins. This ritual underscores the importance of repentance and restoration in the priestly service.
The priest's role also extends to the symbolic significance of the altar of incense. The altar, constructed of acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold, represents the true and incorruptible nature of Jesus Christ, uniting His humanity and divinity. The priest, through their rituals and offerings, participates in this symbolism, reflecting on the mediation and intercession that Christ provides for humanity before God.
Lastly, the priest's role in the altar of incense ritual is not just a mechanical act but a reflection of their own spiritual condition. The priest must ensure that their own heart is right before God, as God desires sincerity and a proper heart, rather than mere ritualistic formalities. The priest, therefore, embodies the spiritual principles that the altar of incense represents, bridging the gap between the earthly and the divine.
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Frequently asked questions
The altar of incense is a symbol of the prayers of God’s people. The smoke from the incense symbolizes the prayers of God’s people constantly ascending before the Lord.
The altar of incense typically involves the use of incense, a sacrificial knife or dagger, and a blood altar. The incense is burned on the altar, and the smoke is believed to carry prayers to God. The sacrificial knife or dagger is used for self-sacrifice and can provide health bonuses.
To set up an altar of incense, you will need to create a 3 x 3 square using blocks made of any material. This will serve as the base for your altar. The altar should be placed within a close range of the sacrificial knife or dagger and the blood altar, as these are essential components of the ritual.
Only authorized incense may be offered on the altar. In the Bible, God provided a specific recipe for making the incense, which included galbanum (the sap of the "ferula" shrub) and frankincense. This incense was described as "sweet," "pure," and "most holy."
