Seamus Hammond
Burning incense is referenced in the Bible as a common practice in religious ceremonies, with the Bible containing 24 verses that refer to incense. The practice is described as a holy act of worship, with God commanding Moses and Aaron to burn incense perpetually before him. Incense was burned to symbolise the prayers of God's people, with the fragrant smoke representing their prayers rising up to God. The Bible also mentions specific ingredients for the incense, including stacte, onycha, galbanum, and frankincense. While the practice of burning incense has continued in some Christian denominations, its significance is debated, with some interpreting it as a symbol of prayer and worship, while others view it with caution due to its association with idolatrous practices.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To mask unpleasant odours, pay tribute to the king, and worship God |
| Ingredients | Myrrh, Onycha, Galbanum, Frankincense, Stacte, Salt |
| Usage | Burned twice daily, before the morning sacrifice and after the evening sacrifice |
| Symbolism | Ascending prayers, a sweet sacrifice, divinity |
| Religious Ceremonies | Common in the religious ceremonies of the ancient Egyptians, Babylonians, Assyrians, and Phoenicians |
| Authorization | Only authorized incense could be offered on the altar |
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What You'll Learn
Incense as a symbol of prayer
Incense has been used in religious ceremonies across numerous ancient nations, including the Egyptians, Babylonians, Assyrians, and Phoenicians. In the Bible, incense is described as being burned in worship, with God providing Moses and Aaron with detailed instructions for the times, places, and methods of burning incense. The Bible also mentions that the altar of incense was located in the Holy Place, the outermost room of the Tabernacle, directly in front of the entrance to the Holy of Holies.
The burning of incense is a symbol of prayer, with the smoke from the incense representing the ascent of prayers to God. This symbolism is reflected in Bible verses such as Psalm 141:2, which compares prayer to incense rising to God. The act of burning incense is thus associated with worship and prayer, and it serves as a reminder for people to pray and a symbol of their devotion to God.
In the Bible, the high priest played a significant role in the use of incense. Aaron, as the high priest, was originally appointed to offer incense each morning and evening (Exodus 30:7-8). The high priest would burn incense twice daily: once before the morning sacrifice and again after the evening sacrifice. On the Day of Atonement, a special ceremony involving incense took place, where the high priest entered the Holy of Holies with incense burning, creating a protective cloud of smoke.
The specific blend of incense used in biblical times is also significant. According to Exodus 30:34-35, God instructed Moses to use a blend of "sweet spices, stacte, onycha, galbanum, and pure frankincense," with each ingredient in equal parts. This blend was considered sacred and was not to be used for personal fragrance by the Israelites. The use of unauthorized or strange incense blends was prohibited, underscoring the incense's sacred purpose in worship and prayer.
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Burning incense as a holy act of worship
Burning incense has been a part of religious ceremonies in many ancient nations, including the Egyptians, Babylonians, Assyrians, and Phoenicians. In the Bible, incense is offered to God in worship, and its use is commanded by God.
The burning of incense is detailed in the Book of Exodus, where God gives Moses and Aaron instructions for the times, places, and methods of burning incense. The incense was to be burned perpetually before the Lord, and it was a holy act of worship. The Book of Exodus specifies the ingredients for the incense, which included "sweet spices, stacte, onycha, galbanum, and pure frankincense, with salt added to the blend". The high priest was to burn this incense on the altar of incense, which was located in the Holy Place of the tabernacle.
The act of burning incense symbolized the prayers of the people rising up to God, as mentioned in Psalm 140/141:2: "Let my prayer be set before you as incense; let the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice." The smoke from the incense also served a practical purpose by masking unpleasant odors from livestock and other elements of agrarian life.
Incense continued to be offered in the Temple during the time of Christ. In the New Testament, the veil of the temple is removed after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, so the burning of incense is no longer necessary. However, some Christian denominations, such as Catholics, continue to burn holy incense in church as part of purification rituals.
Overall, the burning of incense is a symbolic act of worship and prayer, representing the prayers of the saints and the people rising up to God.
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Incense in the Old Testament
Incense was very common in the Old Testament, and even today, some denominations continue to burn incense. The Bible contains 24 verses that refer to incense. The burning of incense is a divine command. God gave Moses and Aaron detailed instructions for the times, places, and methods of burning incense. It was to be burned perpetually before the Lord, and it was a holy act of worship (Exodus 30). The incense used in the tabernacle service was compounded according to a definite prescription of perfumes, including stacte, onycha, galbanum, and pure frankincense (Exodus 30:34).
Incense was burned in the king's presence to mask the odours of livestock and to pay tribute to his position. It is, therefore, no surprise that incense was also burned before the one true creator God in the tabernacle of Israel, which was His earthly throne room under the old covenant. The high priest burned incense twice daily, once before the morning sacrifice and again after the evening sacrifice (Exodus 30:7-8). The smoke symbolised the prayers of the people and protected the high priest from the direct presence of God, ensuring his survival (Leviticus 16:12-13).
Incense was also offered in the Temple at the time of Christ. For example, Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist, served as high priest and was offering incense in the Temple when the birth of John was announced (Luke 1). As the first to fulfil Malachi's prophecy, the Magi offered incense to the newborn Christ (Matthew 2:11) – a symbol of his divinity, according to Saint Irenaeus of Lyons.
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Incense in the New Testament
Incense played a significant role in the religious ceremonies and practices of the ancient world, including in the Bible. The New Testament makes several typological references to incense, often associated with prayer and worship.
One reference to incense in the New Testament is found in Luke 1:9-10, where Zacharias, a priest, enters the temple to burn incense. This was a customary practice for priests, and the text mentions that the multitude was praying while he offered the incense. This act symbolises the connection between incense and prayer, with the smoke of the incense representing the ascending prayers of the saints.
In Revelation 5:8 and 8:3-4, incense is again mentioned in relation to prayer. The text describes the incense in the heavenly temple as being connected to "the prayers of the saints." This idea of incense as a symbol of prayer is further developed in medieval Christian art and continues to be used liturgically in various Christian denominations today.
The New Testament also includes a Christological reference to incense in Hebrews 9:3-4. This passage mentions the coals from the altar of incense taken behind the veil on the Day of Atonement, connecting to the idea of intercession and the atoning work of Christ.
The specific ingredients and processes for making sacred incense were likely closely guarded secrets, as mentioned in Exodus. The Bible provides some details about the composition of incense, including the use of sweet spices like stacte, onycha, galbanum, and pure frankincense. These ingredients were to be carefully weighed and mixed, creating a holy perfume for sacred use only.
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Incense in modern-day Christianity
Incense has been a part of religious ceremonies in many ancient nations, including the Egyptians, Babylonians, Assyrians, and Phoenicians. In the Bible, incense is often associated with the prayers of the saints, with the smoke symbolizing the ascent of prayers to God. This practice has continued in some Christian denominations to the present day, particularly in Orthodox Christianity, where incense is burned during worship services to symbolize the prayers of the congregation rising to God.
The Bible provides specific instructions for the preparation and burning of incense, which was to be carried out by the high priest. According to Exodus 30, God instructed Moses and Aaron to burn a specific blend of "sweet spices, stacte, onycha, galbanum, and pure frankincense" (Exodus 30:34-35, ESV), seasoned with salt, before the Lord. This blend was to be burned on a golden altar in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle (Exodus 30:1-6), and later in the Temple (1 Kings 9:25). The high priest burned incense twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening (Exodus 30:7-8).
The use of incense in modern-day Christianity varies across different denominations. While some Christians may choose to burn incense as a symbol of prayer or during worship services, it is not a mandatory practice for all. Catholics, for example, typically include the burning of holy incense in their purification rituals performed by priests. The Eastern Orthodox Church also makes use of incense in their worship services, seeing it as a symbol of the prayers of the faithful rising to God.
Some Christians may choose to burn incense for its pleasant fragrance or as a way to create a sacred atmosphere during personal prayer or meditation. However, it is important to note that the Bible warns against using incense with the wrong intentions or for witchcraft and other ritualistic practices (1 Samuel 15:22).
Incense can also pose challenges for individuals with asthma or other respiratory issues, as the smoke can trigger physical reactions. In such cases, it may be necessary to find alternative ways to create a sacred space or express one's prayers.
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Frequently asked questions
The burning of incense is a holy act of worship. It is often likened to prayer and symbolizes the connection between God and his people.
Incense is made of a blend of sweet spices, including stacte, onycha, galbanum, and frankincense. Salt is also added to the blend to prevent decay and to symbolize the purity of the ingredients.
Incense is burned twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening. It is also burned during special ceremonies, such as the Day of Atonement.
Yes, burning incense is still practiced by some Christian denominations, such as Catholics and Orthodox Christians, as part of their worship rituals.
