Topical Encyclopedia Censers, also known as incense burners, hold a significant place in the liturgical practices of ancient Israel, particularly in the context of the Tabernacle and the Temple. These sacred vessels were used to burn incense, a practice that symbolized the prayers of the people ascending to God. The use of censers is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, where they are often associated with the priestly duties and the worship rituals prescribed by God.Biblical References and Description In the Old Testament, censers are mentioned in various contexts, often highlighting their material and ceremonial importance. One notable instance of brass censers is found in the narrative of Korah's rebellion. In Numbers 16, Korah, along with Dathan, Abiram, and 250 leaders of the congregation, challenged the authority of Moses and Aaron. As part of the divine judgment against them, the earth swallowed the rebels, and fire consumed the 250 men who had offered incense with their censers. Following this event, God instructed Moses to have Eleazar, the son of Aaron, collect the brass censers from the charred remains. Numbers 16:38-39 states, "As for the censers of these men who sinned at the cost of their own lives, they are to be made into hammered sheets to overlay the altar, for they were presented before the LORD and have become holy. They will be a sign to the Israelites." This passage underscores the transformation of the censers from instruments of rebellion to objects of holiness, serving as a perpetual reminder of the consequences of defying God's appointed leadership. Symbolism and Significance The use of brass in the construction of these censers is noteworthy. Brass, an alloy of copper and zinc, was a common material in ancient craftsmanship, valued for its durability and resistance to corrosion. In the biblical context, brass often symbolizes strength and judgment. The transformation of the brass censers into a covering for the altar further emphasizes the theme of redemption and the sanctification of what was once profane. The censers' role in the worship practices of Israel highlights the importance of approaching God with reverence and obedience. The burning of incense was a sacred act, representing the prayers and intercessions of the people. As such, the censers were not merely functional objects but were imbued with spiritual significance, serving as a tangible connection between the divine and the earthly. Priestly Function and Worship The priests, particularly the high priest, were entrusted with the responsibility of offering incense before the Lord. This duty was part of the daily rituals in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple. The high priest would enter the Holy Place, where he would burn incense on the altar of incense, located before the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. This act was a vital component of the Day of Atonement, as described in Leviticus 16, where the high priest would use a censer to bring incense into the Most Holy Place, creating a cloud of smoke that covered the mercy seat. The censers, therefore, were integral to the worship and sacrificial system established by God. They served as a constant reminder of the need for purity, holiness, and the proper approach to worship. The narrative of the brass censers in Numbers 16 further illustrates the consequences of unauthorized worship and the sanctity of the priestly office. In summary, brass censers in the Bible are emblematic of the sacred duties of the priesthood and the reverence required in worship. Their transformation from instruments of rebellion to holy objects underscores the themes of judgment, redemption, and the enduring holiness of God's commands. Torrey's Topical Textbook Numbers 16:39And Eleazar the priest took the brazen censers, with which they that were burnt had offered; and they were made broad plates for a covering of the altar: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Of the Building of this Temple The Building of the Golden House. Concerning the Tabernacle which Moses Built in the Wilderness for ... The Procession of Amen Solomon's Temple Spiritualized On the Sunday Called "Episozomenes," to those who had Come to ... The Royal Pair in their Glorious Chariot Treatise on Christ and Antichrist. Resources Why was it bad that Aaron and his sons burned the sin offering in Leviticus 10:16 20? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Dathan in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was Eleazar in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |