Frankincense, a fragrant resin obtained from trees of the genus Boswellia, holds significant symbolic meaning throughout the Bible. Its use is deeply rooted in ancient religious practices and is frequently mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments. The symbolism of frankincense is multifaceted, encompassing themes of worship, divinity, and sacrifice.

Worship and Divine Presence

Frankincense is most prominently associated with worship and the divine presence. In the Old Testament, it was a key component of the sacred incense used in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple. Exodus 30:34-35 describes the Lord's instructions to Moses: "Take fragrant spices—gum resin, onycha, and galbanum—and pure frankincense, all in equal measures, and make a fragrant blend of incense, the work of a perfumer, seasoned with salt, pure and holy." This incense was to be burned on the altar of incense, symbolizing the prayers of the Israelites ascending to God. The sweet aroma of frankincense represented the pleasing nature of sincere worship and devotion.

Purity and Holiness

The use of frankincense in religious rituals also underscores its association with purity and holiness. Its inclusion in offerings, as seen in Leviticus 2:1-2 , where it is mixed with fine flour and oil for grain offerings, signifies the purity required in offerings to God. "When anyone presents an offering of grain to the LORD, his offering shall consist of fine flour. He is to pour olive oil on it, put frankincense on it, and bring it to Aaron’s sons the priests." The presence of frankincense in these offerings highlights the need for holiness and the setting apart of gifts for divine purposes.

Symbol of Christ's Priesthood and Sacrifice

In the New Testament, frankincense takes on additional symbolic meaning in the context of Christ's life and ministry. One of the most notable references is found in the account of the Magi visiting the infant Jesus. Matthew 2:11 states, "On coming to the house, they saw the Child with His mother Mary, and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh." The gift of frankincense, alongside gold and myrrh, is often interpreted as a recognition of Jesus' priestly role and His divine nature. As frankincense was used in temple worship, its presentation to Jesus symbolizes His future role as the ultimate High Priest, mediating between God and humanity.

Intercession and Prayer

The Book of Revelation also alludes to the symbolic role of frankincense in the context of prayer and intercession. Revelation 8:3-4 describes an angel offering incense with the prayers of the saints: "Another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, along with the prayers of all the saints, on the golden altar before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, rose up before God from the hand of the angel." Here, frankincense symbolizes the prayers of believers, purified and ascending to God, emphasizing the importance of intercession and the connection between the divine and the faithful.

In summary, frankincense in the Bible is a powerful symbol of worship, purity, and the divine presence. Its use in religious rituals and its association with Christ's life and ministry highlight its enduring significance in the biblical narrative.