Definition and Purpose
Burning incense in biblical times was a significant ritual act, primarily associated with worship and prayer. Incense, a fragrant substance made from aromatic plant materials, was burned to produce a pleasing aroma, symbolizing the prayers of the faithful ascending to God. The practice is deeply rooted in the religious traditions of the Israelites and is frequently mentioned throughout the Scriptures.

Biblical Instructions and Usage
The use of incense is first detailed in the Book of Exodus, where God provides Moses with specific instructions for its composition and use. In Exodus 30:34-38 , the LORD commands Moses to make a sacred incense blend of spices: "Take fragrant spices—gum resin, onycha, and galbanum—and pure frankincense, all in equal measures." This incense was to be used exclusively for worship in the Tabernacle, and later the Temple, signifying its sanctity and divine purpose.

The incense was burned on the Altar of Incense, located in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle, as described in Exodus 30:1-10. Aaron, the high priest, was instructed to burn incense every morning and evening, symbolizing the continual prayers of the people (Exodus 30:7-8). The burning of incense was a priestly duty, emphasizing the role of the priest as an intercessor between God and the people.

Symbolism and Spiritual Significance
Incense in the Bible is often associated with prayer and worship. Psalm 141:2 reflects this symbolism: "May my prayer be set before You like incense, my uplifted hands like the evening offering." The rising smoke of the incense represents the prayers of the faithful ascending to heaven, a pleasing aroma to the LORD.

In the New Testament, the imagery of incense continues to hold spiritual significance. In Revelation 5:8 , the prayers of the saints are depicted as golden bowls full of incense, highlighting the continuity of this symbol from the Old to the New Covenant.

Warnings and Prohibitions
The Bible also contains warnings against the misuse of incense. Unauthorized or profane use of incense was strictly forbidden, as seen 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). This incident underscores the holiness required in worship and the importance of adhering to God's commands.

Furthermore, the prophets often condemned the use of incense in idolatrous practices. In Isaiah 1:13 , God expresses disdain for offerings and incense when they are part of hypocritical worship: "Bring your worthless offerings no more; your incense is detestable to Me." This highlights the necessity of sincere devotion and obedience in worship.

Cultural and Historical Context
In the ancient Near East, incense was a common element in religious rituals, not only among the Israelites but also among surrounding nations. However, the biblical use of incense was distinct in its exclusive dedication to the worship of Yahweh, setting the Israelites apart from their neighbors.

Conclusion
The practice of burning incense in the Bible is rich with theological and symbolic meaning, serving as a tangible expression of prayer, worship, and the presence of God. It underscores the importance of holiness, obedience, and the proper approach to worship in the life of the believer.Leviticus 16:12-13
And he shall take a censer full of burning coals of fire from off the altar before the LORD, and his hands full of sweet incense beaten small, and bring it within the veil:
Topicalbible.org

Leviticus 10:1-2
And 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.
Topicalbible.org

Hebrews 9:4
Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant;
Topicalbible.org

2368. thumiama -- incense
... incense, odor. From thumiao; an aroma, ie Fragrant powder burnt in religious service;
by implication, the burning itself -- incense, odour. see GREEK thumiao. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2368.htm - 6k

3031. libanotos -- frankincense, by ext. a censer
... a censer NASB Word Usage censer (2). incense, censer. From libanos; frankincense,
ie (by extension) a censer for burning it -- censer. see GREEK libanos. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3031.htm - 6k

7004. qetoreth -- smoke, odor of (burning) sacrifice, incense
... 7003, 7004. qetoreth. 7005 . smoke, odor of (burning) sacrifice, incense.
Transliteration: qetoreth Phonetic Spelling: (ket-o'-reth) Short Definition: incense ...
/hebrew/7004.htm - 6k

6999. qatar -- to make sacrifices smoke
... smoke NASB Word Usage burn (9), burn incense (17), burn sacrifices (3), burned
(5), burned incense (17), burned sacrifices (3), burning incense (4), burning ...
/hebrew/6999.htm - 6k

Elijah Come Again
... We need only note that the office of burning incense was regarded as an honour,
was determined by lot, and took place at the morning and evening sacrifice. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/elijah come again.htm

Annunciation to Zacharias of the Birth of John the Baptist.
... [The altar on which Zacharias was burning incense. It stood in the Holy Place in
front of the veil which hung between the holy and the most holy places. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/v annunciation to zacharias of.htm

Thirtieth Lesson. An Holy Priesthood;'
... the priest had the power to draw nigh to God, to dwell with Him in His house, and
to present before Him the blood of the sacrifice or the burning incense. ...
/.../with christ in the school of prayer/thirtieth lesson an holy priesthood.htm

Jeroboam
... Even while he was officiating and burning incense during the dedication of the strange
altar he had set up at Bethel, there appeared before him a man of God ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 7 jeroboam.htm

The Covenant of an Everlasting Priesthood
... the Covenant of an everlasting priesthood, is the secret of being entrusted by God
with the sacred work of teaching His people, and burning incense before Him ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/murray/the two covenants/chapter xv the covenant of.htm

The Temple of Serapis (Ad 391)
... the belief of the Gospel worked its way more thoroughly among all classes of them,
laws were sent forth against offering sacrifices, burning incense, and the ...
/.../chapter xvi the temple of.htm

Thus Has the Question Been on Both Sides Considered and Treated...
... For, reserving the point for more diligent inquiry, and granting in the mean while
that violation of the person is worse than burning incense, yet the latter ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/on lying/section 12 thus has the.htm

A Ruler who Wronged his People
... Milcom, the god of the Ammonites. He did the same for all his foreign wives,
burning incense and offering sacrifices to their gods. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/a ruler who wronged his.htm

Making a Skull Speak.
... And when he desires (the skull) to become invisible, he appears as if burning incense,
placing around, (for this purpose,) a quantity of coals; and when the ...
/.../hippolytus/the refutation of all heresies/chapter xli making a skull speak.htm

On Idolatry
... whether by building temples, high places or groves by erecting altars, and by placing
images upon altars; or by offering sacrifices, burning incense, by eating ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 23 on idolatry.htm

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