Topical Encyclopedia The Altar of Incense, also known as the Golden Altar, holds a significant place in the worship practices of ancient Israel as described in the Old Testament. It was situated in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle, directly in front of the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies. This altar was used exclusively for burning incense, a practice that symbolized the prayers of the people ascending to God.Biblical Specifications and Purpose The construction and use of the Altar of Incense are detailed in the Book of Exodus. The altar was made of acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold, measuring a cubit square and two cubits high, with horns on its corners (Exodus 30:1-3). It was placed before the Ark of the Testimony, in front of the mercy seat where God promised to meet with Moses (Exodus 30:6). The primary function of the altar was for the burning of incense, which Aaron, the high priest, was instructed to burn every morning and evening as a perpetual incense before the LORD (Exodus 30:7-8). This ritual was a vital part of the daily worship and was to be performed with strict adherence to God's commands. Prohibition of Strange Incense and Sacrifices The LORD explicitly commanded that no "strange incense" or unauthorized offerings be made on the Altar of Incense. Exodus 30:9 states, "You must not offer on this altar any other incense, burnt offering, or grain offering, nor are you to pour a drink offering on it." This prohibition underscores the sanctity and specific purpose of the altar, emphasizing that only the prescribed incense, made according to God's instructions, was acceptable. The term "strange incense" refers to any incense not made according to the divine formula given in Exodus 30:34-38. This formula included specific spices: stacte, onycha, galbanum, and pure frankincense, blended in equal measures. The incense was considered holy, and its use was restricted to the Tabernacle service. Theological Significance The restriction against offering strange incense or sacrifices on the Altar of Incense highlights the importance of obedience and reverence in worship. It serves as a reminder that worship must align with God's revealed will and that deviation from His commands is unacceptable. This principle is further illustrated in the account of Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, who offered unauthorized fire before the LORD and were consumed by fire as a result (Leviticus 10:1-2). The Altar of Incense, therefore, symbolizes the purity and holiness required in approaching God. It points to the necessity of offering worship that is pleasing to Him, characterized by sincerity, obedience, and adherence to His instructions. The incense, representing the prayers of the saints, must be offered with a heart aligned with God's will, free from the contamination of self-will or innovation. In the broader biblical narrative, the Altar of Incense foreshadows the intercessory work of Christ, who, as our High Priest, offers prayers on behalf of His people. The imagery of incense is carried into the New Testament, where the prayers of the saints are depicted as rising before God like incense (Revelation 5:8). Thus, the Altar of Incense serves as a profound symbol of the intimate and sacred communication between God and His people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 30:9You shall offer no strange incense thereon, nor burnt sacrifice, nor meat offering; neither shall you pour drink offering thereon. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Annunciation of St. John the Baptist Fifth Sunday in Lent How Solomon Removed the Ark into the Temple How He Made ... 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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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