The Altar of Incense, also known as the Golden Altar, is a significant fixture within the Tabernacle and later the Temple, as described in the Old Testament. It served a crucial role in the worship practices of the Israelites, symbolizing the prayers of the people ascending to God.

Biblical Description and Construction

The instructions for the construction of the Altar of Incense are detailed in Exodus 30:1-10. The altar was to be made of acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold, measuring a cubit in length and width, and two cubits in height. It featured horns on its four corners, also overlaid with gold, and a gold molding around it. Two gold rings were to be attached under the molding on opposite sides to hold poles for carrying the altar. The poles were also made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold.

The altar was placed before the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, directly in front of the Ark of the Covenant. This positioning underscored its importance in the worship and sacrificial system of Israel.

Function and Ritual Use

The primary function of the Altar of Incense was to burn incense, a fragrant offering to the Lord. Exodus 30:7-8 states, "And Aaron shall 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." This daily ritual was performed by the high priest, symbolizing the continual prayers and intercession of the people before God.

The incense used was a specific blend, as commanded in Exodus 30:34-38, and was considered holy. The Israelites were forbidden from using this particular formula for personal use, emphasizing its sacred nature.

Symbolism and Theological Significance

The Altar of Incense holds deep symbolic meaning within the biblical narrative. It represents the prayers of the faithful rising to God, as seen in Psalm 141:2, "May my prayer be set before You like incense, my uplifted hands like the evening offering." The sweet aroma of the incense signifies the pleasing nature of sincere prayer and worship to God.

In the New Testament, the imagery of incense continues to symbolize prayer. Revelation 5:8 describes the prayers of the saints as golden bowls full of incense, highlighting the continuity of this symbol from the Old to the New Covenant.

Historical and Cultural Context

The Altar of Incense was integral to the worship practices of ancient Israel, reflecting the broader cultural and religious milieu of the ancient Near East, where incense was commonly used in religious rituals. However, the specific instructions and prohibitions given to the Israelites set their practices apart, emphasizing the holiness and distinctiveness of their worship of Yahweh.

The Altar in the Temple

When Solomon built the Temple in Jerusalem, the Altar of Incense was included in the design, as recorded in 1 Kings 7:48 and 2 Chronicles 4:19. It continued to serve its purpose in the Temple, maintaining its role in the daily worship and sacrificial system until the destruction of the Temple.

Christological Fulfillment

From a Christological perspective, the Altar of Incense can be seen as a foreshadowing of Christ's intercessory work. Hebrews 7:25 speaks of Jesus as the one who "always lives to intercede" for believers, paralleling the perpetual incense offering before God. The altar thus points to the ultimate mediation and intercession accomplished through Christ, fulfilling the typology established in the Old Testament worship system.