The Incense Offering holds a significant place in the worship practices of ancient Israel, as prescribed in the Old Testament. It was a vital component of the sacrificial system established by God for His people, symbolizing prayer, worship, and the presence of God among His people.

Biblical Foundation

The instructions for the Incense Offering are primarily found in the books of Exodus and Leviticus. In Exodus 30:1-10, God commands Moses to construct an altar specifically for burning incense: "You are also to make an altar of acacia wood for the burning of incense" (Exodus 30:1). This altar was placed in the Holy Place, in front of the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept.

The incense itself was a specific blend of spices, as detailed in Exodus 30:34-38. The LORD instructed Moses: "Take fragrant spices—gum resin, onycha, and galbanum—and pure frankincense, all in equal measures" (Exodus 30:34). This sacred mixture was to be used exclusively for worship, and any unauthorized use was strictly prohibited.

Symbolism and Purpose

The Incense Offering symbolized the prayers of the people ascending to God. Psalm 141:2 captures this imagery: "May my prayer be set before You like incense, my uplifted hands like the evening offering" . The fragrant smoke rising from the altar represented the prayers and intercessions of the Israelites, pleasing to God and a reminder of His presence.

The daily offering of incense was a perpetual ordinance, as described in Exodus 30:7-8: "And Aaron is to burn fragrant incense on it every morning when he tends the lamps. When Aaron sets up the lamps at twilight, he must burn the incense perpetually before the LORD for the generations to come" . This continual offering underscored the importance of constant prayer and communion with God.

Priestly Role and Regulations

The responsibility of offering incense was entrusted to the priests, specifically the high priest. Leviticus 16:12-13 describes the high priest's role on the Day of Atonement: "He is to take a censer full of burning coals from the altar before the LORD, and two handfuls of finely ground fragrant incense, and bring them inside the veil" . The incense was to cover the mercy seat with a cloud, signifying the presence of God and protecting the high priest from the divine glory.

Strict regulations governed the Incense Offering, emphasizing the holiness required in approaching God. In Leviticus 10:1-2, the sons of Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, resulting in their death: "So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died before the LORD" . This incident highlighted the seriousness of adhering to God's commands regarding worship.

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, the Incense Offering finds its fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The book of Revelation frequently uses incense as a symbol of the prayers of the saints. Revelation 5:8 states: "And when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints" .

Christ, as the ultimate High Priest, offers the perfect intercession for believers. Hebrews 7:25 affirms this: "Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them" . The Incense Offering, therefore, points to the continual intercession of Christ on behalf of His people, ensuring their access to the Father.

Conclusion

The Incense Offering, with its rich symbolism and strict regulations, served as a constant reminder of the holiness of God and the necessity of prayerful communion with Him. Through the fulfillment in Christ, believers today are invited to approach God with confidence, assured of His presence and intercession.