Censers, also known as incense burners, hold a significant place in the liturgical practices of ancient Israel, particularly within 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 worship and sacrificial systems established by God for the Israelites.

Biblical References and Description

The construction and use of censers are detailed in the Old Testament, where they are described as being made of various materials, including gold. Gold, a symbol of purity and divinity, was reserved for the most sacred objects and rituals. In the context of censers, gold signified the holiness and reverence due to God in worship.

One of the most notable references to golden censers is found in the description of the Tabernacle and its furnishings. In the Book of Exodus, God provides Moses with detailed instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle and its implements. While the specific mention of gold censers is not explicit in Exodus, the use of gold in sacred objects is a recurring theme, emphasizing the importance of offering the best to God.

In the New Testament, the Book of Hebrews makes a reference to the golden censer in the context of the Most Holy Place: "Behind the second curtain was a room called the Most Holy Place, containing the golden altar of incense and the gold-covered ark of the covenant" (Hebrews 9:3-4). This passage highlights the sacredness of the golden censer, associating it with the innermost sanctuary where God's presence dwelt.

Symbolism and Significance

The use of gold in the construction of censers underscores the sanctity and solemnity of worship. Gold, being a precious and incorruptible metal, symbolizes the eternal and unchanging nature of God. The burning of incense in golden censers represents the prayers of the faithful, rising as a pleasing aroma before the Lord. This act of worship is a reminder of the need for purity and devotion in approaching God.

The golden censer also serves as a typological foreshadowing of Christ's intercessory role. Just as the high priest would offer incense on behalf of the people, Jesus, our High Priest, intercedes for us before the Father. The imagery of the golden censer in the heavenly sanctuary, as depicted in the Book of Revelation, further reinforces this connection: "Another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer, and he was given much incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne" (Revelation 8:3).

Historical and Theological Context

In the historical context of Israel, the use of censers was strictly regulated, with only the priests authorized to perform the incense offering. This exclusivity highlights the holiness required in approaching God and the serious consequences of unauthorized use, as seen in the account of Korah's rebellion (Numbers 16:35-40).

Theologically, the golden censer represents the intersection of divine holiness and human worship. It serves as a tangible reminder of the reverence due to God and the privilege of entering His presence through prayer and intercession. The use of gold in censers and other sacred objects reflects the biblical principle of offering the best to God, acknowledging His supreme worth and majesty.1 Kings 7:50
And the bowls, and the snuffers, and the basins, and the spoons, and the censers of pure gold; and the hinges of gold, both for the doors of the inner house, the most holy place, and for the doors of the house, to wit, of the temple.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Of the Building of this Temple
... deal,] there were twenty thousand of gold, and twice ... altar, were twenty thousand;
the other censers, in which ... He also made ten thousand sacerdotal garments of ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 3 of the building.htm

Concerning the Tabernacle which Moses Built in the Wilderness for ...
... Hard by this altar lay the basins, and the vials, and the censers, and the caldrons,
made of gold; but the other vessels, made for the use of the sacrifices ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 concerning the tabernacle.htm

The Royal Pair in their Glorious Chariot
... the wilderness: who shall quench her flaming lamp, or stay the incense of her golden
censers? ... Of course, this palanquin could not be made of gold or silver ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/the royal pair in their.htm

How Pompey had the City of Jerusalem Delivered up to Him but Took ...
... and saw what was reposited therein, the candlestick with its lamps, and the table,
and the pouring vessels, and the censers, all made entirely of gold, as also ...
/.../chapter 7 how pompey had.htm

The Building of the Golden House.
... They also made many things for the use of the temple"candlesticks, and spoons, and
censers all of pure gold, and there was also a golden altar and a golden ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxvi the building of.htm

On Idolatry
... by the faithful; and that resort is vainly made to the ... of Christ and of the saints,
with gold, silver, and ... the vestments of priests, and of censers; also in ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 23 on idolatry.htm

"Thy King Cometh"
... The gold, silver, and living green were combined with rare ... been a favored people;
God had made their temple ... There had the burning censers waved, while incense ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 63 thy king cometh.htm

The Procession of Amen
... with palm and nelumbo leaves, and copper censers as large ... The entire feretory was
overlaid with gold and crusted ... of the group that they had made no obeisance ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter iv the procession of.htm

Gherardi Sat for Two or Three Minutes in Absolute Silence. ...
... accustomed to, and therefore they left them their swinging censers, their gold chalices,
and ... merely a Christian form of Paganism which is made to pay ...
/.../corelli/the master-christian/xxi gherardi sat for two.htm

Those for whom Christ Prayed --"Sanctify Them. "
... If words mean anything, Jesus made a specific ... sculptured capitals, fretted altars,
swinging censers, burning candles ... Suddenly an officer in gold-braided cap and ...
/.../rees/the heart-cry of jesus/chapter iii those for whom.htm

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