Incense

Incense in the Bible is a fragrant substance that, when burned, produces a pleasing aroma. It holds significant religious and symbolic importance throughout the Scriptures, particularly in the context of worship and offerings to God. The use of incense is first detailed in the instructions given to Moses for the construction of the Tabernacle.

In Exodus 30:34-38, God provides Moses with a specific formula for making sacred incense: "Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Take fragrant spices—gum resin, onycha, and 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.'" This incense was to be placed before the Testimony in the Tent of Meeting, where God would meet with Moses. The sacredness of this incense is emphasized by the prohibition against making it for personal use, under penalty of being cut off from the people.

Incense also plays a role in the daily rituals of the priests. In Exodus 30:7-8, Aaron is instructed to burn incense on the altar every morning and evening: "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 continually before the LORD for the generations to come."

The burning of incense symbolizes the prayers of the faithful ascending to God. This is reflected in Psalm 141:2, "May my prayer be set before You like incense, my uplifted hands like the evening offering." In the New Testament, the imagery of incense continues in Revelation 8:3-4, where an angel offers incense with the prayers of the saints on the golden altar before the throne of God.

Oil

Oil in the Bible is a multifaceted symbol, often representing the Holy Spirit, anointing, healing, and consecration. Olive oil, in particular, is the most frequently mentioned oil in the Scriptures and was a staple in the daily life and religious practices of the Israelites.

Anointing with oil is a significant biblical practice, symbolizing sanctification and the setting apart of individuals for God's purposes. In Exodus 30:22-25, God instructs Moses to make a sacred anointing oil: "Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Take the finest spices: 500 shekels of liquid myrrh, half as much (that is, 250 shekels) of fragrant cinnamon, 250 shekels of fragrant cane, 500 shekels of cassia—all according to the sanctuary shekel—and a hin of olive oil. Prepare from these a holy anointing oil, a fragrant blend, the work of a perfumer; it will be a sacred anointing oil.'"

This oil was used to anoint the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the priests, marking them as holy and dedicated to the Lord. The anointing of kings, such as Saul and David, also involved the use of oil, signifying their divine appointment and empowerment by God (1 Samuel 10:1, 16:13).

Oil is also associated with healing and hospitality. In the parable of the Good Samaritan, oil is used to treat wounds (Luke 10:34). James 5:14-15 instructs the elders of the church to anoint the sick with oil in the name of the Lord as part of the prayer for healing: "Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick."

In the New Testament, oil continues to symbolize the presence and work of the Holy Spirit. The parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:1-13 uses oil as a metaphor for spiritual readiness and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the importance of being prepared for the coming of the Bridegroom, Christ.

Overall, incense and oil are deeply embedded in the worship and spiritual life of the biblical narrative, serving as tangible expressions of devotion, consecration, and divine presence.