Topical Bible: Incense: An Article of Extensive Commerce

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Incense, a fragrant substance that releases aromatic smoke when burned, holds significant historical and religious importance in biblical times. It is frequently mentioned in the Scriptures, symbolizing prayer, worship, and divine presence. The use of incense in ancient Israelite worship and its role in commerce reflect its value and widespread demand.

Biblical References and Religious Significance

In the Bible, incense is closely associated with worship and the presence of God. The Lord commanded Moses to make a special blend of incense for use in the Tabernacle, as described in Exodus 30:34-38. This sacred mixture was to be burned on the altar of incense, located in the Holy Place, as a perpetual offering before the Lord. The smoke of the incense symbolized the prayers of the people ascending to God, as seen in Psalm 141:2: "May my prayer be set before You like incense, my uplifted hands like the evening offering."

The use of incense was also integral to the Day of Atonement rituals, where the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies with a censer of burning incense, creating a cloud that covered the mercy seat (Leviticus 16:12-13). This act signified the intercession of the priest and the covering of sin, highlighting the sacredness of incense in the worship practices of Israel.

Incense in Commerce and Trade

Incense was not only a religious article but also a significant commodity in ancient commerce. The demand for incense in religious rituals across various cultures made it a valuable trade item. The Bible references the trade of incense in several passages, indicating its role in the economy of the ancient Near East.

The Queen of Sheba's visit to King Solomon is one such instance, where she brought "a great quantity of spices, gold, and precious stones" (1 Kings 10:2). The spices included incense, underscoring its value and desirability. The trade routes that facilitated the exchange of incense, such as the famous Incense Route, connected the Arabian Peninsula with the Mediterranean, allowing for the distribution of this precious commodity.

Symbolism and Prophetic Imagery

Incense also carries symbolic and prophetic imagery in the Bible. In the New Testament, the Magi's gifts to the Christ child included frankincense, a type of incense, symbolizing His priestly role (Matthew 2:11). The Book of Revelation further emphasizes the symbolic nature of incense, depicting the prayers of the saints as incense offered before the throne of God (Revelation 5:8, 8:3-4).

The prophetic use of incense imagery highlights its enduring significance as a symbol of prayer, worship, and divine interaction. The sweet aroma of incense serves as a reminder of the spiritual connection between humanity and the divine, transcending its physical properties to embody a deeper spiritual truth.

Conclusion

Incense, as an article of extensive commerce, played a multifaceted role in biblical times. Its religious significance, economic value, and symbolic meaning underscore its importance in the cultural and spiritual life of ancient Israel and the broader ancient world. Through its use in worship and trade, incense remains a powerful symbol of prayer and divine presence in the biblical narrative.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Revelation 18:13
And cinnamon, and odors, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Phil. 1:01 the Rights and Duties of Lay Churchmen.
... trust that Churchmen who remember the Sixth Article of our ... that Church and State
are co-extensive and identical ... Uzziah taking on himself to burn incense in the ...
/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter xvii phil 1 1 the.htm

The Close of the Theban Empire
... falling on the neck behind, an article of apparel ... An extensive plot was hatched in
which scribes, officers ... of foreigners attracted hither by commerce or held ...
/.../chapter iiithe close of the.htm

The Rise of the Assyrian Empire
... in providing Egypt with a single article"for example ... to enter Egyptian provinces,
and thus crippling Chaldaean commerce. ... it one of the most extensive ruins in ...
/.../chapter iithe rise of the.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... With the article it means the plain along the Mediterranean from Joppa to
Gaza."Te.]. ... Gulf, and it was the key to the route by which the commerce of Babylon ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

the Legendary History of Egypt
... In a special article, Brugsch has collected particulars preserved by the texts as
to ... the XVIIIth to the XXth dynasties, when Egypt had extensive relations with ...
/.../chapter iii -the legendary history of.htm