Anisha Riggs
The phrase let incense arise is a reference to the Bible, specifically the books of Exodus, Malachi, and Revelation. Incense is mentioned in the Bible as a sacrifice offered to God, with the smoke and aroma of the burning incense representing the prayers and worship of believers. The phrase let incense arise thus encourages believers to offer their prayers and worship to God, allowing them to rise like incense towards heaven.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reference in Bible | Revelation 5:8, 8; Exodus 30 |
| Reference in Song | Worthy of It All by CeCe Winans |
| Reference in Songbooks | Amblecote Community Church |
| Meaning | The prayers of the saints are compared to incense in bowls rising to God as a sweet aroma |
| Occurrence | Day and night |
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What You'll Learn
Incense as a form of worship
Incense has been used as an offering in worship since ancient times. In the Bible, the book of Exodus describes an altar for burning incense, which was placed in front of the embroidered veil outside the holy of holies. The box for the incense was to be made of acacia wood, overlaid with gold, and fitted with rings to hold poles for carrying it. Aaron, the high priest, was instructed to burn incense to God as an offering every morning and evening when he attended to the oil in the lampstand.
Incense is also mentioned in the Old Testament book of Malachi, where it is offered to the Lord as a sacrifice, a sweet-smelling praise to the Lord of Glory. The Bible repeatedly portrays the worship, prayers, and lives of believers as incense offered to God. In John's Revelation, the prayers of the saints are compared to incense in bowls, rising to God as a sweet aroma. This is often reflected in Christian songs and liturgy, where incense is mentioned as a symbol of praise and worship.
The use of incense in worship is not limited to the Bible; it has also been a part of other religious traditions. For example, in some Christian contemporary churches, incense is used to enhance the worship experience, although it is not a requirement. Some people view burning incense as adding value to the worship service, helping to create a transcendent and earthy atmosphere. However, others may see it as a distraction or a ritual that takes away from the true worship of God.
While the use of incense in worship may vary across different denominations and personal preferences, it is important to note that it is not the incense itself that is worshipped but rather what it symbolizes: the prayers and praise of the believers rising to God as a sweet-smelling offering. Whether through songs, prayers, or the daily lives of believers, the act of worship is what truly matters in the end.
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Incense in the Bible
The burning of incense in the Bible is a divine command, with God giving Moses and Aaron detailed instructions for the times, places, and methods of burning incense (Exodus 30). Incense was to be burned perpetually before the Lord and was a holy act of worship. When the Tabernacle was replaced by the Temple, incense was offered there (1/3 Kings 9:25).
The Bible portrays the worship, prayers, and lives of believers as incense offered up to the Lord as a sacrifice, a sweet-smelling praise for the Lord of Glory. In Psalm 141:2, David writes, "Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice!". Incense, therefore, reminds Christians that God is pleased when His people pray.
Incense is also symbolic of the relationship between God and His people. In the Old Testament, the high priest was required to offer sacred incense, but the Gospel of Luke reveals a shift in this tradition, with ordinary priests also permitted to perform the offering. For example, Zechariah was chosen by lot to place incense on the altar in the temple while the people prayed outside (Luke 1:9-10). As the incense smoke rose, an angel announced to Zechariah that he and Elizabeth would have a son, John the Baptist (Luke 1:11-16).
In the time of Christ, incense continued to be offered in the Temple. The Magi offered incense to the newborn Christ, a symbol of his divinity (Matthew 2:11). Incense is also described in the last book of the Bible, Saint John's Revelation, where he sees incense used in heavenly worship (Revelation 5:8). Incense represents and carries the prayers of the saints, both martyrs in heaven and those living on earth, up to God (Revelation 8:3-4).
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Incense in Christian music
The use of incense in Christian worship is a long-standing tradition, with the Bible making numerous references to it. Incense is burned during the celebration of the Eucharist, at solemn celebrations of the Divine Office, Solemn Vespers, Solemn Evensong, funerals, and the consecration of churches or altars, among other services. The practice is especially prevalent in the Eastern Orthodox Church, Lutheran churches of Evangelical Catholic churchmanship, Anglican churches of Anglo-Catholic churchmanship, and Old Catholic/Liberal Catholic churches.
In the Old Testament, God provides instructions for constructing an altar of incense in the Holy Place before the Holy of Holies. Exodus 30:8 states that incense was to burn perpetually before the Lord: "from the rising of the sun, even to its going down, My name shall be great among the Gentiles: In every place incense shall be offered to My name". Malachi 1:11. Incense was also used in the temple, with about half a pound burned daily.
The Bible portrays the prayers and worship of believers as incense offered up to God. For example, David says, "May my prayer be set before you like incense" (Psalm 141:2), and Revelation 5:8 describes golden bowls full of incense, which "are the prayers of the saints". This symbolism is further reinforced by the association between the use of incense and the shedding of blood for the sins of the high priest and his family, as well as for the people in general (Leviticus 16:15). The combination of these two elements represents the connection between Christ's blood and the prayers of Christians.
However, the use of incense in Christian worship has also been a subject of debate. Some Christians, particularly those with a background in paganism, may struggle with the practice due to its historical association with pagan religions. Additionally, the Bible does not explicitly instruct Christians to burn incense, and there is a concern that doing so could be construed as an approval of idolatrous practices. As such, Christians are encouraged to consider the potential impact of their actions on other believers and to use their freedom to "serve one another in love" (Galatians 5:13).
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Incense in prayer
Prayer is often compared to incense in the Bible. In Exodus 30:7–8, Aaron is instructed to burn fragrant incense every morning before the Lord:
> "And he shall burn it, a regular incense offering, before the Lord, throughout your generations."
This imagery of incense as prayer is seen throughout the Bible, such as in Psalm 141, where David cries out:
> "Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice."
The idea of prayer as incense conveys the notion that prayers rise to God in a pleasing and sacred way, like the smoke and fragrance of incense. Incense was costly and made according to a strict formula, just as prayer can be challenging and costly in terms of time, energy, and concentration. However, God values our prayers and finds them pleasing, just as He ordained the use of incense in the tabernacle.
In Revelation 5:8, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders are described as holding "golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints." This imagery illustrates that prayers are precious and sacred to God, and He holds them in the highest regard.
The song "Worthy Of It All" by CeCe Winans also alludes to this theme of prayer as incense, reminding us that our worship, prayers, and daily lives are offered up to God as a sacrifice of praise.
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Incense in the Tabernacle
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 acacia wood and overlaid with gold. It was square at the top, with each side measuring one cubit (approximately twenty inches or just under two feet), and it stood two cubits high. The altar had four "horns", one on each corner, and rings of gold built into it so that it could be carried with poles of acacia wood.
The altar of incense was placed before the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies, where the Ark of the Testimony resided. Aaron was instructed to burn incense on the altar each morning and at twilight as a regular offering to the Lord. The smoke from the incense constantly rising from the altar symbolized the prayers of God's people constantly ascending before the Lord.
The altar of incense was considered holy, and it was atoned for with the blood of sacrifice. The fact that the incense was always burning signified the perpetual nature of Christ's mediation and intercession on behalf of believers, whose prayers are considered a sweet-smelling aroma to God.
In the Tabernacle, only the priests could offer incense, and they served as mediators between the people and God, bringing the prayers of the people into God's presence. The apostle Paul described believers as being "the fragrance of Christ", spreading the aroma of the knowledge of Him wherever they go.
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Frequently asked questions
In the Bible, incense is often used as a metaphor for prayer and worship, representing the idea of praise and sacrifice offered to God. The phrase "let incense arise" encourages believers to raise their prayers and songs of praise to God as a sweet-smelling aroma.
Incense has been associated with religious rituals and offerings in various traditions, including the ancient Hebrew practices described in the Bible. The act of burning incense creates a fragrant aroma, symbolizing the pleasing nature of prayers and worship rising to God.
In the Book of Revelation, the prayers of the saints are compared to incense in bowls (Revelation 8), and the smoke of incense is described as rising to God. Additionally, in Exodus 30, instructions are given for building an altar for burning incense as an offering to God.
