Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Purpose: Altars for incense, also known as the Altar of Incense, were sacred structures used in the worship practices of ancient Israel, specifically for burning incense as an offering to God. These altars held significant religious importance and were integral to the rituals conducted in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple in Jerusalem. Biblical Description: The primary biblical description of the Altar of Incense is found in the Book of Exodus. God instructed Moses on the construction of this altar as part of the Tabernacle's furnishings. "You are to make an altar of acacia wood for the burning of incense" (Exodus 30:1). The altar was to be square, measuring a cubit in length and width, and two cubits high, with horns on its corners. It was overlaid with pure gold, including its top, sides, and horns, and it had a gold molding around it (Exodus 30:2-3). Location and Use: The Altar of Incense was placed in the Holy Place, just outside the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place (the Holy of Holies) where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. Aaron, the high priest, was instructed to burn fragrant incense on the altar every morning and evening when he tended the lamps (Exodus 30:7-8). This ritual symbolized the prayers of the people ascending to God. Significance in Worship: The incense offering was a vital part of the daily worship and was considered a perpetual incense before the Lord throughout the generations (Exodus 30:8). The specific blend of spices used for the incense was unique and sacred, and it was forbidden to replicate it for personal use (Exodus 30:34-38). This exclusivity underscored the holiness and set-apart nature of worship to God. Symbolism and Theological Implications: The Altar of Incense is rich in symbolism. The rising smoke of the incense represented the prayers and intercessions of the people, as seen in Psalm 141:2, "May my prayer be set before You like incense, my uplifted hands like the evening offering" . In the New Testament, the imagery of incense is used to describe the prayers of the saints in Revelation 5:8 and 8:3-4, where the prayers are depicted as incense rising before God. Regulations and Restrictions: Strict regulations governed the use of the Altar of Incense. Unauthorized fire or incense was prohibited, 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 highlighted the importance of obedience and reverence in worship. Historical Context and Development: The Altar of Incense continued to play a role in Israel's worship practices after the construction of Solomon's Temple, where it was placed in the same relative position as in the Tabernacle. The altar's presence in the Temple underscored the continuity of worship practices from the wilderness period to the established monarchy in Israel. Conclusion: The Altar of Incense was a central element in the worship of ancient Israel, serving as a tangible representation of the people's prayers and devotion to God. Its construction, use, and symbolism reflect the broader themes of holiness, obedience, and the intimate relationship between God and His people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 30:1-6And you shall make an altar to burn incense on: of shittim wood shall you make it. Torrey's Topical Textbook Strong's Hebrew 2553. chamman -- a sun pillar... Word Origin from chamam Definition a sun pillar NASB Word Usage incense altars (7), incense stands (1). idol, image. From chammah; a sun-pillar -- idol, image. ... /hebrew/2553.htm - 6k 4729c. meqatterah -- incense altar Library Celsus Then Proceeds to Say that "We Shrink from Raising Altars... Letter Xlvii. (AD 398. ) Wine is Used Along with Incense; and of This... Finally, that we May Always Abide by the Rule and Definition by ... Whether Sufficient Reason Can be Assigned for the Ceremonies ... So, Then, if These Things are So, we Desire to Learn This... But if any have Endured Much violence and the Strong Pressure of ... There Are, Then, among the Righteous Some who are Carbuncles... Inexcusable Irreverence and Ingratitude Under the Fig-Tree. Resources Who are the Chemarim / Chemarims in Zephaniah 1:4? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the books of 1 and 2 Maccabees? | GotQuestions.org Who was Balaam in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Altars for Idolatrous Worship, often Erected on Roofs of Houses Altars for Idolatrous Worship, to be Destroyed Altars of Brick, Hateful to God Altars of Reubenites East of Jordan Altars of the People of Israel Altars of the Temple of Solomon Altars were not to Have Steps up to Them Altars: Afforded No Protection to Murderers Altars: Designed for Sacrifice Altars: Idolaters Planted Groves Near Altars: Natural Rocks Sometimes Used As Altars: Probable Origin of Inscriptions On Altars: Protection Afforded By Altars: The Jews not to Plant Groves Near Altars: To be Made of Earth, or Unhewn Stone Related Terms |
    |