Heidi Norton
The incense offering was a significant ritual in the Tabernacle and the First and Second Temple periods, as described in the Book of Exodus. The altar of incense was placed before the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies. The priests, descendants of Aaron, were responsible for burning incense on the altar every morning and evening, with an additional evening offering around 3-4 pm. The incense offering symbolised purification and sanctification, representing the people's prayers rising to God.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time | Morning and evening |
| Frequency | Twice a day |
| Occasions | Daily, Evening Offering, Day of Atonement |
| Location | Temple of Jerusalem, Tabernacle, Holy Place, Holy of Holies |
| Practitioners | Priests, descendants of Aaron, Zechariah |
| Ingredients | Stacte, Onycha, Galbanum, Pure Frankincense |
| Tools | Altar of incense, Golden bowls, Mercy seat of the Ark |
| Symbolism | Intercession of Christ, Prayer, Purification, Sanctification |
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What You'll Learn
- The incense offering was made in the morning and at twilight every day
- The altar of incense was made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold
- Incense symbolises the prayers of the faithful rising to God
- The incense offering is detailed in the Book of Exodus
- The incense offering is continued by the Catholic Church
The incense offering was made in the morning and at twilight every day
The practice of burning incense has been a significant ritual in the history of Judaism and Christianity. The incense offering, also known as the "hour of incense," was performed in the morning and at twilight every day, as instructed in the Book of Exodus.
The altar of incense was situated in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle, before the veil that separated it from the Holy of Holies. The Tabernacle was the portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their exodus journey. According to the Book of Exodus, God commanded Moses to create a special blend of sweet spices, including stacte, onycha, galbanum, and pure frankincense, in equal parts. This incense was considered holy and was not to be replicated for personal use.
Aaron, a significant figure in the Book of Exodus, was instructed to burn incense on the altar each morning and evening as a perpetual offering to the Lord. The descendants of Aaron, the priests, were responsible for carrying out this ritual. The incense was burned with fire from the altar of the burnt offering, symbolizing the connection between sacrifices and the incense offering.
The burning of incense held profound theological significance for the Israelites. It symbolized the purification and sanctification of the people and represented their prayers ascending to God. The smoke of the incense was seen as a tangible manifestation of these prayers, rising to heaven. This belief is reflected in the Psalms, where David compares his prayers to incense: "May my prayer be set before you like incense" (Psalm 141:2).
The practice of burning incense continued in the Temple of Jerusalem and held importance for Christians as well. In the New Testament, the Book of Revelation describes the prayers of the saints as golden bowls full of incense (Revelation 5:8; 8:3-4). The Catholic Church continues to use incense during Mass and liturgical celebrations, considering it a sacred sign that prepares the faithful to receive grace.
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The altar of incense was made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold
The altar of incense is 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 was a perfect square, with each side measuring one cubit, or about twenty inches, and was two cubits high. The top and sides of the altar, including the horns, were overlaid with pure gold, and a gold molding was added around it. Two gold rings were affixed to opposite sides of the altar below the molding to accommodate the acia poles used to carry it.
The altar of incense was placed before the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies. On the other side of the veil was the Ark of the Testimony, which was believed to contain the presence of God. Aaron was instructed to burn incense on the altar each morning and at twilight as a regular offering to the Lord. The incense was made from a blend of four precious spices: stacte, onycha, galbanum, and frankincense. It was to be burned continually, day and night, as a pleasing aroma to the Lord.
In Scripture, incense is often associated with prayer. For example, in Psalm 141:2, David prayed, "May my prayer be set before you like incense." Similarly, in Revelation 5:8, John describes elders in heaven holding "golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God's people." The altar of incense can thus be seen as a symbol of the prayers of the faithful rising to God, just as the smoke of the incense ascended to the heavens.
The golden altar of incense is also mentioned in the book of Leviticus, where it is described as having horns that were sprinkled with blood from animal sacrifices to cleanse and purify it from the sins of the Israelites (Leviticus 4:7, 16:18). The horns of the altar represent the power of Christ's blood to forgive sins, and the incense offered on it symbolizes the prayers of the righteous, which are pleasing to God.
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Incense symbolises the prayers of the faithful rising to God
The use of incense as a religious offering has a long history, dating back to ancient times. Incense has been used in various religious traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Shintoism, Judaism, Christianity, and Mandaeism, and is often associated with prayer and worship.
In Hinduism, the use of incense has been a traditional and integral part of pujas, prayers, and worship since ancient times. Incense is offered to various forms of God, such as Krishna and Rama, by rotating the sticks thrice in a clockwise direction. This practice is deeply rooted in the Hindu tradition and is mentioned in the Bhagavad Gita, where Krishna accepts offerings made to him with love.
Similarly, in Buddhism and Shintoism, incense holds a significant role in ceremonies and rites. In Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, incense sticks are placed horizontally into censers filled with ash. The practice of burning incense in these traditions may also serve as a symbolic offering to deities or spirits and as an aid in prayer.
In Judaism and Christianity, the use of incense is rooted in the traditions of the Second Jewish Temple. Incense is often used during religious services and is interpreted as a symbol of the prayers of the faithful rising to heaven. In the Book of Psalms, David prayed, "May my prayer be set before you like incense" (Psalm 141:2). This symbolism is further reinforced in the Book of Revelation, where incense is described as the prayers of the saints rising towards the altar of God.
In Christian liturgy, incense is used to reverence people and objects, such as during the Offertory of the Mass. The rising smoke of incense serves as a visual reminder of the prayers being offered to God. Additionally, the number of spoons of incense used can hold symbolic meanings related to the nature of Christ and the Trinity.
The use of incense in Mandaeism serves a similar purpose, establishing a communion between humans on Earth and celestial beings in the World of Light during rituals such as baptism and death masses. Incense is offered on stands called kinta, and various prayers are recited during the offering.
Overall, the use of incense as a religious offering is a symbolic act that unifies the faithful in prayer, with the rising smoke representing their collective devotion ascending towards the divine.
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The incense offering is detailed in the Book of Exodus
Aaron, a descendant of Moses, was instructed to burn incense on the altar each morning and at twilight as a daily offering to the Lord (Exodus 30:7–8). This ritual was to be performed perpetually by Aaron and his descendants. The incense itself was a blend of holy spices, including stacte, onycha, galbanum, and pure frankincense, in equal parts (Exodus 30:34-38). The fire used for burning the incense was taken from the altar of burnt offerings, symbolizing the connection between sacrifices and the incense offering.
In Scripture, the burning of incense is often associated with prayer. The rising smoke of the incense symbolizes prayers ascending to God, emphasizing the need for sincere and continual prayer. This symbolism is reflected in the Psalms, where David prays, "May my prayer be set before you like incense" (Psalm 141:2). Similarly, in the Book of Revelation, the prayers of the saints are described as golden bowls full of incense (Revelation 5:8).
The altar of incense also holds symbolic significance in relation to Christ's mediation and intercession. Just as the incense was a continual offering, Christ's mediation on behalf of humanity is perpetual. The sweet-smelling aroma of the incense represents the pleasing nature of believers' prayers to God, made acceptable through Christ's sacrifice. This understanding is expressed in Hebrews, where it is stated that believers can enter God's holy presence by faith because of Christ (Hebrews 4:16).
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The incense offering is continued by the Catholic Church
The use of incense during worship has a long history, dating back to ancient China around 2000 BC. The practice has been adopted by various religions, including Judaism and Christianity. The Bible, for instance, mentions incense 170 times, and its use is encouraged in the Talmud.
The Catholic Church has continued the tradition of offering incense during Mass and other liturgical celebrations. The practice is believed to have been influenced by Jewish temple worship, with the earliest documented history of incense use in the Catholic Church coming from the Eastern branch, dating back to the 5th century. The rituals of the Divine Liturgies of Saint James and Saint Mark from this time period included the use of incense.
Incense is considered a sacramental in the Catholic Church, a sacred sign that helps prepare the faithful to receive grace. It is used during liturgies, such as at the Gospel reading, the Eucharistic prayer, and processions, to signify the sanctification and prayers of the faithful. Incense is also used during the Entrance Procession at the beginning of Mass, where the priest incenses the cross and altar, as well as during the proclamation of the Gospel, and the Liturgy of the Eucharist.
The smoke of the incense is believed to symbolise the prayers of the faithful rising to God, connecting to the biblical imagery of incense as prayer in Scripture. For instance, in the Book of Revelation, the prayers of the saints are described as golden bowls full of incense (Revelation 5:8; 8:3-4). The use of incense thus adds a sense of solemnity and mystery to the Mass, reinforcing the transcendence of the occasion and allowing those present to enter into the presence of God.
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Frequently asked questions
The incense offerings were made in the morning and at twilight every day.
The evening incense offering took place around the ninth hour (3-4 PM).
The altar of incense was placed before the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies.
