Incense in the Bible holds significant religious and symbolic meaning, often associated with worship, prayer, and the presence of God. The use of incense is mentioned throughout both the Old and New Testaments, serving as a fragrant offering to the Lord and a symbol of the prayers of the faithful ascending to heaven.

Old Testament Usage

In the Old Testament, incense was a critical component of the worship practices prescribed by God to the Israelites. The Lord commanded Moses to make a specific blend of incense for use in the Tabernacle. This sacred mixture was to be burned on the altar of incense, which stood before the veil separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (Exodus 30:1-10). The composition of this incense was detailed in Exodus 30:34-38, where God instructed Moses to use equal parts of stacte, onycha, galbanum, and pure frankincense, blended with salt to create a pure and holy offering.

The burning of incense was a daily ritual performed by the priests, symbolizing the prayers of the people rising to God. In Psalm 141:2, David expresses this symbolism: "May my prayer be set before You like incense, my uplifted hands like the evening offering." The incense also served as a reminder of God's presence among His people, as the cloud of smoke filled the Tabernacle and later the Temple.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, incense continues to hold symbolic significance. In the Book of Revelation, incense is associated with the prayers of the saints. Revelation 5:8 describes the twenty-four elders holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. Similarly, Revelation 8:3-4 depicts an angel offering incense on the golden altar before the throne of God, with the smoke of the incense rising with the prayers of the saints.

The Magi's gift of frankincense to the infant Jesus (Matthew 2:11) is another notable mention of incense in the New Testament. This gift is often interpreted as a recognition of Jesus' priestly role, as frankincense was a key component of the incense used in temple worship.

Symbolism and Significance

Incense in the Bible symbolizes the sanctity and reverence due to God. Its fragrant aroma represents the pleasing nature of sincere worship and prayer. The specific instructions for its preparation and use underscore the holiness required in approaching God. The rising smoke of incense serves as a visual representation of prayers ascending to the divine, emphasizing the connection between the earthly and the heavenly.

The use of incense also highlights the role of the priest as an intercessor between God and His people. In the Old Testament, the high priest's offering of incense was a vital part of the Day of Atonement rituals, symbolizing the mediation between God and Israel (Leviticus 16:12-13).

Prohibitions and Warnings

The Bible also contains warnings against the misuse of incense. Unauthorized or profane use of incense was strictly forbidden, as demonstrated in the account of Nadab and Abihu, who offered unauthorized fire before the Lord and were consumed by fire as a result (Leviticus 10:1-2). This incident underscores the importance of adhering to God's commands and the sanctity of worship practices.

In summary, incense in the Bible is a multifaceted symbol of worship, prayer, and divine presence. Its use in biblical times was a profound expression of reverence and devotion, reflecting the holiness and majesty of God.

Of the Manifold Abuse of Speech.
... That which was meant to serve as the perfume of the tabernacle, to send up the incenses
of praise and prayers, now exhales in impious vapors, to eclipse, if it ...
/.../allestree/the government of the tongue/section ii of the manifold.htm

On the Sacramentals
... Fruit of thy womb"; and the Blessed Virgin answered her in the beautiful words of
the Magnificat, that we sing at Vespers while the priest incenses the altar. ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 27 on the sacramentals.htm

Philippians i. 22-26
... hell. For whence will He be compassionate and show mercy? Mercy comes of
love! Nothing incenses God so much as to be pitiless. "A ...
/.../homily iv philippians i 22-26.htm

The First vision "In Heaven": Chapters 4-5
... He took the Book the four Zoa and the four and twenty elders fell down before the
Lamb having each a harp [149] , and golden bowls full of incenses which are ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the first vision in heaven .htm

Incenses (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Incenses (1 Occurrence). Revelation 5:8 And when
it took the book, the four living creatures and the twenty ...
/i/incenses.htm - 6k

Incensed (6 Occurrences)

/i/incensed.htm - 8k

Incentive (1 Occurrence)

/i/incentive.htm - 7k

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