Topical Encyclopedia The Altar of Incense, also known as the Golden Altar, holds significant importance in the worship practices of ancient Israel as described in the Old Testament. Situated in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle, directly in front of the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, the Altar of Incense was used for burning fragrant incense, symbolizing the prayers of the people ascending to God. The construction and use of this altar are detailed in Exodus 30:1-10.Construction and Purpose The Altar of Incense was made of acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold, measuring a cubit in length and width and two cubits in height. It had horns on its four corners, and a gold molding around it. The altar was equipped with gold rings and poles for transport, emphasizing its sacredness and the need for careful handling. The primary function of the Altar of Incense was to burn incense every morning and evening, coinciding with the lighting of the lamps by the priest. This ritual was a perpetual offering before the LORD, symbolizing the continual prayers and intercession of the people. The incense used was a specific blend, as commanded by God, and was considered holy (Exodus 30:34-38). Covering and Removal The covering and removal of the Altar of Incense are described in the context of the Israelites' journey through the wilderness. When the camp was set to move, the priests were responsible for preparing the sacred objects for transport. Numbers 4:11 provides specific instructions: "Over the gold altar they are to spread a blue cloth, cover it with fine leather, and insert the poles." This careful covering of the altar before its removal from the sanctuary underscores the reverence and sanctity associated with the holy objects. The blue cloth and fine leather served as protective coverings, ensuring that the altar remained undefiled during transport. The use of blue, a color often associated with divinity and the heavens, further emphasized the sacred nature of the altar. Priestly Duties and Symbolism The priests, particularly the descendants of Aaron, were entrusted with the care and handling of the Altar of Incense. Their duties included not only the daily burning of incense but also the maintenance and protection of the altar during the Israelites' travels. This responsibility highlighted the role of the priesthood as mediators between God and His people, entrusted with the sacred task of ensuring that worship remained pure and unblemished. The Altar of Incense, with its fragrant offerings, served as a powerful symbol of prayer and intercession. The rising smoke represented the prayers of the faithful ascending to God, a theme echoed in the New Testament in Revelation 8:3-4, where the prayers of the saints are depicted as incense before the throne of God. In summary, the Altar of Incense was a central element in the worship practices of ancient Israel, symbolizing the perpetual prayers and intercession of the people. Its careful covering and removal by the priests reflected the deep reverence for the sacred and the divine presence among the Israelites. Torrey's Topical Textbook Numbers 4:11And on the golden altar they shall spread a cloth of blue, and cover it with a covering of badgers' skins, and shall put to the staves thereof: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library What is the Sanctuary? What is the Sanctuary? The Annunciation of St. John the Baptist The New Covenant. The Life, as Amplified by Mediaeval Biographers. The Book of Jubilees The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus the Legendary History of Egypt The Rise of the Assyrian Empire Resources Why was the altar in Joshua 22:10 34 such a big deal? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the significance of the altar King Ahaz built? | GotQuestions.org Why is Gideon referred to as Jerubbaal? | GotQuestions.org Altar: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Altar in Solomon's Temple in Second Temple Altar in Solomon's Temple: Cleansed by Hezekiah Altar in Solomon's Temple: Description of Altar in Solomon's Temple: Ezekiel's Vision of Altar in Solomon's Temple: Furniture of, Taken to Babylon Altar in Solomon's Temple: Removed by Ahaz, and One of Idolatrous Fashion Substituted Altar in Solomon's Temple: Renewed by Asa Altar in Solomon's Temple: Repaired by Manasseh Altar in the Tabernacle: A Place of Refuge Altar in the Tabernacle: Constructed by Bezaleel Altar in the Tabernacle: Furniture of Altar in the Tabernacle: Horns of Altar in the Tabernacle: How Sanctified Altar in the Tabernacle: Location of Altar in the Tabernacle: Pattern of Altar in the Tabernacle: Sanctified Everything That Touched It Altar in the Tabernacle: Uses of the Horns Altar of Burnt offerings: Called Altar of God Altar of Burnt offerings: Called Altar of the Lord Altar of Burnt offerings: Called Brazen Altar Altar of Incense in Solomon's Temple Altar of Incense: A Cover Made For, of the Censers of Korah Altar of Incense: A Type of Christ Altar of Incense: Altar Before the Lord Altar of Incense: Altar of Sweet Incense Altar of Incense: Anointed With Holy Oil Altar of Incense: Atonement Made For, by the High Priest Once Every Year Altar of Incense: Called the Golden Altar Altar of Incense: Carried by Kohathites Altar of Incense: Covered by the Priest Before Removal from the Sanctuary Altar of Incense: Covered With Gold Altar of Incense: Dimensions of Altar of Incense: had Four Rings of Gold Under the Crown for the Staves Altar of Incense: How Prepared for Carrying Altar of Incense: No Strange Incense Nor Any Sacrifice to be offered On Altar of Incense: Placed Before the Vail in the Outer Sanctuary Altar of Incense: Punishment For: Offering Strange Fire On Altar of Incense: Punishment For: Unauthorised offering On Altar of Incense: Said to be Before the Lord Altar of Incense: Seen in John's Vision Altar of Incense: Staves of, Covered With Gold Altar of Incense: The Blood of all Sin offerings Put on the Horns of Altar of Incense: The Priest Burned Incense on Every Morning and Evening Altar of Incense: Top of, Surrounded With a Crown of Gold Altar used in Idolatrous Worship Altar: Built by the Reubenites and Gadites Altar: Mosaic Commandments Prescribing the Construction of The Altar of Burnt-Offering was Most Holy The Altar of Burnt-Offering: A Net-Working Grate of Brass Placed In The Altar of Burnt-Offering: A Type of Christ The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Ahaz Removed and Profaned The Altar of Burnt-Offering: All Gifts to be Presented At The Altar of Burnt-Offering: All Its Vessels of Brass The Altar of Burnt-Offering: All Sacrifices to be offered On The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Anointed and Sanctified With Holy Oil The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Called: The Altar of God The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Called: The Altar of the Lord The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Called: The Brazen Altar The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Cleansed and Purified With Blood The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Covered With Brass The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Dimensions of The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Furnished With Rings and Staves The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Horns on the Corners of The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Made After a Divine Pattern The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Nothing Polluted or Defective to be offered On The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Offering at the Dedication of The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Placed in the Court Before the Door of the Tabernacle The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Sacrifices Bound to the Horns of The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Sanctified by God The Altar of Burnt-Offering: Sanctified Whatever Touched It The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Blood of Sacrifices Put on the Horns and Poured at The The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Fire Upon was Continually Burning The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Fire Upon: Came from Before the Lord The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Fire Upon: Consumed the Sacrifices The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Jews Condemned for Swearing Lightly By The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Priests: Alone to Serve The Altar of Burnt-Offering: The Priests: Derived Support From Related Terms Burnt-sacrifice (13 Occurrences) Burnt-offering (205 Occurrences) Meat-offerings (10 Occurrences) |
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