Topical Encyclopedia Incense in Biblical WorshipIncense in the Bible is often associated with worship and the presence of God. It symbolizes prayer and the offering of a pleasing aroma to the Lord. In the tabernacle and later in the temple, incense was burned on the altar of incense as a part of the daily rituals commanded by God. The burning of incense was a sacred act, reserved for the priests, and was a symbol of the prayers of the people ascending to God. The Rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram The account of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram is found in the Book of Numbers, specifically in Numbers 16. These men, along with 250 leaders of the congregation, rose up against Moses and Aaron, challenging their leadership and the priestly authority given by God. Korah, a Levite, sought to usurp the priestly duties, which were divinely appointed to Aaron and his descendants. The Role of Incense in the Rebellion In response to the rebellion, Moses proposed a test to demonstrate whom the Lord had chosen as holy. Each of the 250 rebels, along with Aaron, was to take a censer, put fire and incense in it, and present it before the Lord. Numbers 16:17 states, "Each man is to take his censer, place incense in it, and present it before the LORD—250 censers in all. You and Aaron are to present your censers as well." The use of incense in this context was significant. It was a direct challenge to the divinely established order of worship and priesthood. The censers, typically used by priests to offer incense, became instruments in a test of divine selection. Divine Judgment The outcome of this test was a dramatic display of God's judgment. Numbers 16:35 records, "And fire came forth from the LORD and consumed the 250 men who were offering the incense." This act of divine retribution underscored the sanctity of the priestly office and the seriousness of unauthorized persons attempting to perform sacred duties. Furthermore, the earth opened up and swallowed Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and their households, as described in Numbers 16:31-33. This event served as a powerful reminder of the consequences of rebellion against God's appointed leaders and the importance of adhering to His commands regarding worship. The Aftermath and Memorial Following the judgment, God instructed Moses to have Eleazar, the son of Aaron, collect the censers from the smoldering remains of the rebels. These censers were hammered into sheets to overlay the altar, serving as a perpetual reminder to the Israelites of the consequences of unauthorized incense offering and rebellion against God's chosen priesthood. Numbers 16:39-40 states, "So Eleazar the priest collected the bronze censers brought by those who had been burned up, and he had them hammered out to overlay the altar, as a reminder to the Israelites that no outsider who is not a descendant of Aaron should approach to offer incense before the LORD, lest he become like Korah and his followers." Theological Implications The narrative of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram highlights the holiness of God and the importance of obedience to His established order. The use of incense in this account serves as a symbol of the sacred duties assigned to the priesthood and the severe consequences of attempting to usurp those roles. It underscores the principle that worship and service to God must be conducted according to His divine instructions, reflecting His holiness and authority. Nave's Topical Index Numbers 16:16-35And Moses said to Korah, Be you and all your company before the LORD, you, and they, and Aaron, to morrow: Nave's Topical Index Library Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Epistle Lxxv. To Magnus, on Baptizing the Novatians, and those who ... The First Book Resources Who was Korah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the strange fire in Leviticus 10:1? | GotQuestions.org What is the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth? | GotQuestions.org Incense: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Incense for God's Service Mixed With Sweet Spices Incense of an Acceptable Sacrifice Incense used in Idolatrous Worship Incense: An Article of Extensive Commerce Incense: Common, not to be offered to God Incense: Compounded by Bezaleel Incense: Designed for Atonement Incense: Formula for Compounding Incense: Korah and his Company Punished for offering Incense: Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Incense: Levites had Charge of Incense: Nadab and Abihu Destroyed for offering, With Strange Fire Incense: None But Priest to offer Incense: Offered by Nadab and Abihu in an Unauthorized Manner Incense: Offered by the High Priest in the Most Holy Place on the Day of Incense: Offered in Idolatrous Worship Incense: Offered Morning and Evening Incense: Offered with Fire from off the Altar of Burnt offering Incense: Offered: Morning and Evening Incense: Offered: On the Altar of Gold Incense: Offering of, Allotted to the Priests Incense: Presented by the Wise Men to Jesus Incense: Presented to Christ by the Wise Men Incense: Put on Meat offerings Incense: Symbolical of the Prayers of Saints Incense: The Jews Prayed at Time of offering Incense: The Jews: Not Accepted in offering, on Account of Sin Incense: The Jews: Offered, to Idols on Altars of Brick Incense: The Jews: Punished for offering, to Idols Incense: Uzziah Punished for offering Related Terms Incense-burners (1 Occurrence) |
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