Fragrant incense holds significant importance in the biblical narrative, serving as a symbol of prayer, worship, and the presence of God. The use of incense is deeply rooted in the religious practices of ancient Israel and is meticulously detailed in the Scriptures.

Biblical Instructions and Composition

The instructions for making fragrant incense are found in the Book of Exodus. God commanded Moses to prepare a specific blend of spices for use in the Tabernacle: "Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Take fragrant spices—gum resin, onycha, galbanum—and pure frankincense, all in equal measures, and make a fragrant blend of incense, the work of a perfumer, seasoned with salt, pure and holy'" (Exodus 30:34-35). This sacred mixture was to be used exclusively for worship and was not to be replicated for personal use, underscoring its sanctity: "Do not make any incense with this formula for yourselves; regard it as holy to the LORD" (Exodus 30:37).

Purpose and Symbolism

The primary purpose of incense in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple was to serve as a pleasing aroma to the LORD, symbolizing the prayers of the people ascending to heaven. The Psalmist captures this imagery: "May my prayer be set before You like incense, my uplifted hands like the evening offering" (Psalm 141:2). Incense was burned on the altar of incense, which was placed before the veil separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, signifying the intercession of the priests on behalf of the people.

Priestly Duties and Rituals

The burning of incense was a daily ritual performed by the priests. In the morning and at twilight, Aaron and his descendants were instructed to burn incense on the altar: "Aaron must 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" (Exodus 30:7-8). This continuous offering highlighted the perpetual nature of prayer and worship in the life of the Israelites.

Incense in the New Testament

In the New Testament, the imagery of incense continues to hold spiritual significance. The Book of Revelation presents a heavenly scene where incense is associated with the prayers of the saints: "And the smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, rose up before God from the hand of the angel" (Revelation 8:4). This reinforces the concept of incense as a symbol of prayer and divine communication.

Warnings and Misuse

The Bible also provides warnings against the misuse of incense. Unauthorized offerings, such as those made by Nadab and Abihu, resulted in severe consequences: "So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died before the LORD" (Leviticus 10:2). This incident underscores the importance of adhering to God's commands regarding worship practices.

Conclusion

Fragrant incense, as described in the Bible, serves as a profound symbol of prayer, worship, and the divine presence. Its careful preparation and use in the Tabernacle and Temple highlight the sacredness of approaching God, while its continued symbolism in the New Testament emphasizes the enduring nature of prayerful communion with the Creator.