Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, incense holds significant spiritual symbolism and is closely associated with worship, prayer, and the presence of God. The offering of incense in censers is a practice deeply rooted in the religious rituals of ancient Israel, as prescribed in the Mosaic Law.Biblical Instructions and Symbolism The use of incense in worship is first detailed in the instructions given to Moses for the construction of the Tabernacle. In Exodus 30:1-10, God commands the making of an altar of incense, where Aaron, the high priest, is to burn incense every morning and evening. The incense is a special blend, described in Exodus 30:34-38, and is considered holy, set apart for sacred use. The censer, a vessel used to hold burning coals and incense, is an essential tool in this ritual. The act of offering incense in a censer symbolizes the prayers of the people ascending to God. In Psalm 141:2, David expresses this imagery: "May my prayer be set before You like incense, my uplifted hands like the evening offering." Priestly Duties and Regulations The priests, particularly the high priest, were responsible for offering incense in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple. Leviticus 16:12-13 describes the high priest taking a censer full of burning coals from the altar before the LORD and two handfuls of finely ground fragrant incense to bring inside the veil on the Day of Atonement. This act was crucial for making atonement for the people and ensuring the presence of God among them. The offering of incense was not only a privilege but also a duty that required strict adherence to divine instructions. In Leviticus 10:1-2, the sons of Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, offer unauthorized fire before the LORD, resulting in their death. This incident underscores the holiness of the practice and the necessity of obedience to God's commands. Incense in the New Testament The imagery of incense continues into the New Testament, where it is often associated with prayer and divine intercession. In Revelation 8:3-4, an angel is seen standing at the altar with a golden censer, offering incense with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne. This scene highlights the continuity of incense as a symbol of prayer and the connection between the earthly and heavenly realms. Spiritual Significance The offering of incense in censers serves as a powerful reminder of the sanctity of worship and the importance of approaching God with reverence and purity. It reflects the desire for a pleasing aroma to rise before the Lord, symbolizing the heartfelt prayers and devotion of His people. The practice emphasizes the need for holiness and the mediating role of the priesthood, ultimately pointing to the perfect mediation of Christ, our High Priest, who intercedes on behalf of believers. Torrey's Topical Textbook Leviticus 10:1And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not. Torrey's Topical Textbook Numbers 16:17,46 Library Strange Fire How those that Stirred up this Sedition were Destroyed, According ... A Godly Reformation Epistle Lxxv. To Magnus, on Baptizing the Novatians, and those who ... On Idolatry The Day of Atonement The Destruction of Jerusalem. Solomon's Temple Spiritualized Concerning the Tabernacle which Moses Built in the Wilderness for ... The Destruction of Jerusalem Resources Who was Korah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the strange fire in Leviticus 10:1? | GotQuestions.org What is the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth? | GotQuestions.org Incense: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Incense for God's Service Mixed With Sweet Spices Incense of an Acceptable Sacrifice Incense used in Idolatrous Worship Incense: An Article of Extensive Commerce Incense: Common, not to be offered to God Incense: Compounded by Bezaleel Incense: Designed for Atonement Incense: Formula for Compounding Incense: Korah and his Company Punished for offering Incense: Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Incense: Levites had Charge of Incense: Nadab and Abihu Destroyed for offering, With Strange Fire Incense: None But Priest to offer Incense: Offered by Nadab and Abihu in an Unauthorized Manner Incense: Offered by the High Priest in the Most Holy Place on the Day of Incense: Offered in Idolatrous Worship Incense: Offered Morning and Evening Incense: Offered with Fire from off the Altar of Burnt offering Incense: Offered: Morning and Evening Incense: Offered: On the Altar of Gold Incense: Offering of, Allotted to the Priests Incense: Presented by the Wise Men to Jesus Incense: Presented to Christ by the Wise Men Incense: Put on Meat offerings Incense: Symbolical of the Prayers of Saints Incense: The Jews Prayed at Time of offering Incense: The Jews: Not Accepted in offering, on Account of Sin Incense: The Jews: Offered, to Idols on Altars of Brick Incense: The Jews: Punished for offering, to Idols Incense: Uzziah Punished for offering Related Terms Incense-burners (1 Occurrence) |
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