The Gold Altar of Incense, also known simply as the Altar of Incense, holds significant importance in the worship practices of ancient Israel as described in the Old Testament. This sacred object was a key component of the Tabernacle, and later the Temple, serving as a focal point for the offering of incense to God.

Biblical Description and Construction

The instructions for the construction of the Gold Altar of Incense are detailed in the Book of Exodus. According to Exodus 30:1-3 , "You are also to make an altar of acacia wood for the burning of incense. It is to be square, a cubit long and a cubit wide, and two cubits high. Its horns must be of one piece with it. Overlay the top and all the sides and horns with pure gold, and make a gold molding around it." The altar was thus a small, square structure, overlaid with pure gold, signifying its sacred purpose and the holiness of the offerings made upon it.

Placement and Function

The Gold Altar of Incense was placed in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle, directly in front of the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. This positioning is significant, as it symbolized the prayers of the people ascending to God, who dwelled beyond the veil. Exodus 30:6 states, "Place the altar in front of the veil that is before the ark of the Testimony—before the mercy seat that is over the Testimony—where I will meet with you."

The primary function of the altar was for the burning of incense, a practice that was to be carried out by the priests. 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." This perpetual offering of incense symbolized the continuous prayers and intercessions of the people before God.

Symbolism and Significance

The incense offered on the Gold Altar was a special blend, as specified in Exodus 30:34-38, and was considered holy. The burning of incense represented the prayers of the Israelites 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 altar's gold overlay and its placement in the Holy Place underscored the sanctity and purity required in approaching God. The incense itself was a symbol of the sweet aroma of faithful worship and obedience, pleasing to the Lord.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, the imagery of incense continues to hold spiritual significance. In Revelation 8:3-4 , the prayers of the saints are depicted as incense before God: "Another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, along with the prayers of all the saints, on the golden altar before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, rose up before God from the hand of the angel."

The Gold Altar of Incense, therefore, serves as a powerful symbol of prayer, intercession, and the continual worship of God, bridging the practices of ancient Israel with the spiritual truths revealed in the New Testament.