The Golden Censer is a significant liturgical object mentioned in the Bible, primarily associated with the rituals of the Tabernacle and the Temple. It is a vessel used for burning incense, symbolizing the prayers of the faithful ascending to God. The censer holds a prominent place in the worship practices of ancient Israel, reflecting the holiness and reverence due to God.

Biblical References:

1. Exodus 30:1-10 · The instructions for making the altar of incense, where the censer would be used, are detailed in this passage. The altar was to be overlaid with pure gold, and Aaron was to burn fragrant incense on it every morning and evening. The censer, though not explicitly mentioned here, would have been used to carry the coals and incense to the altar.

2. Leviticus 16:12-13 · On the Day of Atonement, the high priest was instructed to take a censer full of burning coals from the altar before the LORD and two handfuls of finely ground fragrant incense. He was to put the incense on the fire before the LORD, and the cloud of incense would cover the atonement cover above the Testimony, so that he would not die.

3. Numbers 16:46-48 · During the rebellion of Korah, Moses instructed Aaron to take a censer, put fire from the altar in it, add incense, and go quickly to the assembly to make atonement for them. This act stopped the plague that had begun among the people, demonstrating the censer's role in intercession and atonement.

4. Hebrews 9:4 · The New Testament references the golden censer in the context of the Tabernacle, stating, "It contained the golden altar of incense and the gold-covered ark of the covenant. Inside the ark were the gold jar of manna, Aaron’s staff that had budded, and the stone tablets of the covenant." This passage highlights the censer's association with the most sacred elements of Israel's worship.

Symbolism and Significance:

The Golden Censer is rich in symbolic meaning. It represents the prayers of the saints, as seen in Revelation 8:3-4, where an angel is given much incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne. The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers, ascends before God, illustrating the idea that the prayers of the faithful are pleasing and acceptable to Him.

In the context of the Tabernacle and Temple worship, the censer underscores the necessity of holiness and purity in approaching God. The incense, a blend of specific spices, was considered holy, and its use was strictly regulated, emphasizing the sanctity of worship and the reverence required in the presence of the Almighty.

Theological Implications:

The use of the Golden Censer in the Old Testament foreshadows the intercessory work of Christ. Just as the high priest used the censer to make atonement for the people, Jesus, our High Priest, intercedes for us before the Father. The fragrant incense symbolizes the perfect and pleasing sacrifice of Christ, whose righteousness covers and purifies believers, allowing them to enter into the presence of God.

In summary, the Golden Censer is a profound symbol of prayer, intercession, and the holiness required in worship. It serves as a reminder of the continuous need for atonement and the mediating work of Christ, who enables believers to draw near to God with confidence.