The offering of incense holds significant importance in the biblical narrative, symbolizing prayer, worship, and the presence of God. This practice is deeply rooted in the religious life of Israel and is intricately described in the Old Testament, particularly in the context of the Tabernacle and the Temple.

Biblical Instructions and Symbolism

The instructions for the offering of incense are first detailed in the Book of Exodus. God commands Moses to construct an altar specifically for burning incense: "You are to make an altar of acacia wood for the burning of incense" (Exodus 30:1). This altar, placed before the veil that shields the Ark of the Covenant, signifies the closeness of the offering to the divine presence.

The incense itself was a sacred blend, as specified in Exodus 30:34-38, composed of spices like stacte, onycha, galbanum, and pure frankincense. This mixture was considered holy, and its use was strictly regulated: "Do not make any incense with this formula for yourselves; regard it as holy to the LORD" (Exodus 30:37). The exclusivity of this incense underscores its sanctity and the reverence due to God.

Daily Rituals and Priestly Duties

The offering of incense was a daily ritual performed by the priests. Aaron, the high priest, was instructed to burn incense every morning and evening: "Aaron must 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" (Exodus 30:7-8). This continual offering symbolizes the perpetual prayers and intercessions of the people rising to God.

The act of burning incense was not merely a ritualistic duty but a profound act of worship and intercession. The smoke of the incense, rising heavenward, is often seen as a metaphor for the prayers of the faithful ascending to God. This imagery is echoed in Psalm 141:2: "May my prayer be set before You like incense, my uplifted hands like the evening offering."

The Role of Incense in the Temple

In the Temple, the offering of incense continued to play a central role. The Book of Chronicles records the dedication of Solomon's Temple, where incense offerings were part of the worship: "And they offered burnt offerings to the LORD every morning and evening, and also the incense of sweet spices" (2 Chronicles 13:11). The Temple's incense altar, like its Tabernacle predecessor, was a place of divine encounter and communication.

Warnings and Judgments

The Bible also contains warnings against the misuse of incense. Unauthorized offerings, such as those made by Nadab and Abihu, resulted in severe consequences: "So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died before the LORD" (Leviticus 10:2). This incident underscores the holiness of God and the necessity of approaching Him with reverence and obedience.

Furthermore, the prophets often criticized the people of Israel for offering incense to idols, equating such acts with spiritual adultery. Jeremiah laments, "The children gather wood, the fathers light the fire, and the women knead dough to make cakes for the queen of heaven. They pour out drink offerings to other gods to provoke Me to anger" (Jeremiah 7:18). Such practices were seen as a direct violation of the covenant relationship with God.

New Testament Reflections

In the New Testament, the imagery of incense continues to hold spiritual significance. The Book of Revelation presents a heavenly scene where incense is associated with the prayers of the saints: "And the smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, rose up before God from the hand of the angel" (Revelation 8:4). This vision reinforces the enduring symbolism of incense as a representation of prayer and divine communion.

The offering of incense, therefore, is a multifaceted practice that encompasses worship, intercession, and the acknowledgment of God's holiness. It serves as a powerful reminder of the need for purity, reverence, and devotion in approaching the Almighty.