Burnt Offerings

Burnt offerings, known in Hebrew as "olah," meaning "that which goes up," were a central element of the sacrificial system in ancient Israel. These offerings were entirely consumed by fire on the altar, symbolizing the worshiper's complete surrender and dedication to God. The practice of burnt offerings is rooted in the earliest biblical narratives, with Abel's offering being one of the first recorded (Genesis 4:4).

The instructions for burnt offerings are detailed in the Book of Leviticus. Leviticus 1:3-4 states, "If one's offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he is to offer an unblemished male. He must present it at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting, so that he may be accepted by the LORD. He is to lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, so that it may be accepted on his behalf to make atonement for him." This passage highlights the requirement for the offering to be without blemish, symbolizing purity and perfection, and the act of laying hands on the animal, signifying the transfer of sin and the need for atonement.

Burnt offerings were offered daily, both morning and evening, as a continual reminder of the people's need for atonement and God's provision for it (Exodus 29:38-42). They were also part of special occasions and festivals, such as the Sabbath, New Moon, and Passover (Numbers 28-29).

Theologically, burnt offerings pointed to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who offered Himself without blemish to God (Hebrews 9:14). As the perfect and final sacrifice, Christ fulfilled the requirements of the burnt offerings, making them obsolete in the New Covenant (Hebrews 10:8-10).

Incense

Incense in the Bible is often associated with prayer, worship, and the presence of God. The use of incense is prescribed in the construction and service of the Tabernacle and later the Temple. Exodus 30:7-8 instructs, "And Aaron is to burn fragrant incense on it every morning when he tends the lamps. When Aaron sets up the lamps at twilight, he must burn the incense perpetually before the LORD for the generations to come."

The incense used in the Tabernacle was a specific blend of spices, and its formula was not to be replicated for personal use (Exodus 30:34-38). This exclusivity underscored the sacredness of the incense, setting it apart for divine purposes. The smoke of the incense, rising before the Holy of Holies, symbolized the prayers of the people ascending to God (Psalm 141:2; Revelation 8:3-4).

Incense also played a role in the Day of Atonement rituals, where the high priest would enter the Most Holy Place with a censer of burning coals and incense, creating a cloud that covered the mercy seat (Leviticus 16:12-13). This act was a profound representation of intercession and the need for divine mediation.

In the New Testament, the imagery of incense continues to represent prayer and worship. Revelation 5:8 describes the twenty-four elders holding "golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints." This connection emphasizes the ongoing significance of prayer as a fragrant offering to God.

The use of incense, like burnt offerings, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who as our High Priest, continually intercedes for us before the Father (Hebrews 7:25). Through Him, believers' prayers are made acceptable, rising as a pleasing aroma to God.