Seamus Hammond
The act of burning incense during prayer has been a vital part of worship in the tabernacle and temple. The Bible describes the altar of incense as being placed alongside the lampstand and the table of showbread in the Holy Place. The incense was burned by priests, who served as mediators between the people and God, bringing their prayers into the presence of the Most High. The smoke from the incense, constantly rising from the altar, symbolized the prayers of God’s people constantly ascending before the Lord. The sweet aroma from the altar of incense is symbolic of the prayers of the saints rising to God, who hears their prayers through his nose.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Symbolism | The smoke from the incense symbolizes the prayers of God's people constantly ascending before the Lord. |
| Purpose | To mask unpleasant odors, to pay tribute to the king, and to serve as a protective cloud of smoke during sacrificial rituals. |
| Materials | Gold and acacia wood |
| Design | Square-shaped, with a height of two cubits and a length and breadth of one cubit. It had horns made of the same material, and a gold molding around it with two golden rings for poles used for transportation. |
| Location | Placed in the tabernacle, in front of the veil covering the ark of the covenant and the mercy seat. |
| Ritual | The high priest was to burn incense on it every morning and evening. |
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What You'll Learn
The incense symbolises the prayers of God's people rising to God
The use of incense during Christian worship services is a practice that dates back to the tabernacle of Israel, where incense was burned in the presence of God. The Bible describes the altar of incense as being made of gold and acia wood, with a square shape and a height of about one metre. It was placed in the Holy Place, outside the Most Holy Place, where the priests would burn incense during worship rituals.
The act of burning incense on the altar is symbolic and deeply rooted in biblical scripture. Specifically, the incense symbolises the prayers of God's people rising to God. This symbolism is expressed in Psalm 141:2, where David prays, "Let my prayer be set before you as incense". The rising smoke from the altar represents the constant ascension of prayers before the Lord.
In the Bible, God expresses a preference for pleasant aromas, and the incense offered to Him is described as a pleasing aroma. This idea is further supported by the belief that Christ's intercession on behalf of believers is a sweet-smelling savour to God. The prayers of the faithful, mediated through Christ, are likened to a sweet fragrance that fills the nostrils of God.
The High Priestly Prayer in John 17 also reflects this symbolism. Jesus offers up the words and beliefs of God's people to the Father, acting as an intercessor. The prayers of the saints, symbolised by the incense, rise to God as a sweet and pleasing aroma, just as the scent of incense fills the air.
While the physical act of burning incense may not be a requirement in modern covenant worship, the symbolism remains significant. The prayers of believers, offered through Christ, continue to be seen as a pleasing aroma to God, reflecting the perpetual nature of His mediation and the accessibility of His presence through faith.
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The priest acts as a mediator between God and his people
The act of burning incense during religious ceremonies is deeply rooted in history and holds significant meaning in the relationship between God and his people. The priest acts as a mediator between God and his people, and the incense he burns symbolises the prayers of the congregation rising to God.
The Bible describes the altar of incense as being situated before the mercy seat of the Ark, symbolising the perpetual nature of Christ's mediation. The incense is to be burned continuously, representing the ongoing intercession of Christ on behalf of his followers. This act of burning incense is a way for the priest to symbolically bring the prayers of the congregation into the presence of God.
In the Bible, God commanded specific incense to be burned on the altar, and the materials used were fit for a king—gold and acacia wood. The altar of incense was constructed with great care and attention to detail, with instructions provided by God himself. It was placed in the tabernacle, in front of the veil that covered the Ark of the Covenant and the mercy seat. The high priest was responsible for burning incense on this altar every morning and evening.
The smoke from the incense constantly rising from the altar symbolises the prayers of God's people constantly ascending before the Lord. This idea is beautifully expressed in Psalm 141:2, where David prays, "Let my prayer be set before you as incense". The sweet-smelling aroma of the incense is a pleasing offering to God, and it serves as a reminder that our prayers are like a sweet fragrance rising up to Him.
Through the act of burning incense, the priest acts as a mediator, bringing the prayers and petitions of the people into the presence of God. This ritual symbolises the ongoing intercession of Christ, our eternal High Priest, who mediates on our behalf and enables us to approach God without fear.
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Incense is burned to mask odours, as tribute to God
Incense has been burned for centuries as a key part of worship in temples and churches. The burning of incense is detailed in the Bible, with specific instructions on how and when to burn it.
The Bible tells us that incense is symbolic of prayer, with the smoke rising from the altar representing the prayers of God’s people rising up to God. The sweet-smelling aroma is described as pleasing to God, who hears our prayers through his nose.
Incense was also burned to mask unpleasant odours, particularly in the presence of livestock. This practice was also observed before God in the tabernacle of Israel, which was his earthly throne room.
The altar of incense was made of gold and acacia wood, with a square shape and a height of about one metre. The high priest would burn incense on it every morning and evening, and it was placed in front of the veil that covered the ark of the covenant and the mercy seat.
The burning of incense is no longer required for new covenant worship, as Christ has become the mediator of the new covenant, allowing us to approach God without fear and without the need for a protective canopy of incense.
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Incense is linked to sacrificial rituals and atonement
The use of incense is deeply rooted in the Bible, with the altar of incense symbolizing the prayers of God's people rising up to God. The sweet fragrance of incense is likened to the pleasing aroma of prayers ascending to God, as described in Psalm 141:2, "Let my prayer be set before you as incense".
Incense is also linked to sacrificial rituals and atonement. In the Bible, the altar of incense was connected with the sacrificial rituals of Israel. When a sin offering was required due to a high priest's failure, the blood of the offering was smeared on the horns of the incense altar, as mentioned in Leviticus 4:3-7. This ritual was repeated for sin offerings made on behalf of the entire community. Additionally, the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies on the Day of Atonement, carrying a portable incense burner that provided a protective cloud of smoke under which he could safely apply the blood of purification offerings to the mercy seat.
The altar of incense was constructed with specific materials and placed in a significant location. It was made of gold and acia wood, reflecting its importance and proximity to the holy place. The altar was situated before the mercy seat of the Ark, symbolizing Christ's mediation and our ability to enter God's holy presence through faith in Him.
Through Christ's sacrifice, believers can now approach God without the need for a protective canopy of incense. Christ is our Great High Priest and the atoning sacrifice for our sins, enabling us to come boldly into God's presence without fear.
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The Bible describes the construction of the incense altar
Exodus 30:1–10 provides further details about the altar's construction and placement. The Golden Altar was made with materials fit for a king—gold and acacia wood. It was outfitted with poles, allowing it to be transported. The altar of incense was placed alongside the lampstand and the table of showbread in the Holy Place, outside the Most Holy Place.
The Bible also mentions the use of anointing oil to anoint the altar of incense and other items in the tent of meeting. Anything that was anointed became Holy. The altar was to be purified by the sprinkling of blood, symbolizing that prayers were accepted through sacrifices.
The placement of the altar of incense is described in Exodus 30:6 as being "before the veil" or dividing curtain that separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies. This positioning is significant as it represents the work of prayer offered unto the Lord by the Israelites. The smoke from the incense rising through the curtain symbolizes the prayers of God's people ascending to God.
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Frequently asked questions
The priest incenses the altar as a symbol of the prayers of the saints rising to God in Heaven.
The altar of incense is a small, square structure made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold. It is placed in the tabernacle, in front of the veil that covers the ark of the covenant and the mercy seat.
The altar of incense is significant because it represents the work of the Israelites offered to the Lord, specifically the work of prayer. The smoke from the incense symbolizes the prayers of God's people constantly ascending before the Lord.
