What is Incense in the Bible?
Quick Summary
Incense in the Bible is a fragrant blend of spices burned as an offering to God, symbolizing prayer, devotion, and the nearness of God’s presence. Used in the tabernacle and temple, incense represented holiness, intercession, and the continual lifting of the people’s prayers before God. Over time, incense became a rich theological image connecting worship on earth with worship in heaven.
Introduction
Incense appears throughout Scripture as a physical sign of spiritual truth. When priests offered incense, it filled the space with fragrance and smoke, signaling that worship engages the senses and the soul. Incense reminded Israel that God is holy, that prayer rises continually before God, and that worship involves beauty, reverence, and intentional devotion.
Scholars such as Jacob Milgrom, Gordon Wenham, and Carol Meyers highlight that incense is not a decorative element in Israel’s worship. It is a theological statement. Incense embodies the mystery of God’s presence and the nearness of divine mercy.
Incense in the Old Testament
Incense first appears in the instructions for the tabernacle. God commands Moses to build a golden altar specifically for burning incense (Exodus 30:1 to 10). The altar stands just outside the Holy of Holies, symbolizing the movement toward God’s presence.
The Sacred Incense Recipe
Exodus 30:34 to 38 describes a holy blend of spices: stacte, onycha, galbanum, and pure frankincense. This mixture is set apart for worship. Israel may not replicate it for personal use.
This restriction teaches that God is not a household idol to be manipulated. Worship is holy, and the incense is part of that holiness.
The Morning and Evening Offering
Aaron and the priests were to burn incense every morning and evening when tending the lamps (Exodus 30:7 to 8). This practice created a rhythm of prayer and reminded the people that God receives their petitions continually.
Incense and Holiness
Leviticus 16 describes the high priest entering the Holy of Holies once a year on the Day of Atonement. He carries incense to create a cloud that covers the mercy seat (Leviticus 16:12 to 13). This protects the high priest and symbolizes the mystery of God’s presence.
Jacob Milgrom notes that incense functioned as a protective and symbolic veil, indicating the tension between God’s holiness and human frailty.
Incense in Israel’s Worship
The Psalms often use incense imagery. Psalm 141:2 says, “Let my prayer be counted as incense before you.” This verse shows how incense became a symbol of prayer rising to God.
Unauthorized Incense
The story of Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10:1 to 2) shows that incense was not to be offered casually. Using incense improperly signaled irreverence toward God’s holiness.
Incense in the Temple
When Solomon builds the temple, incense becomes a central element of daily worship (1 Kings 6:20 to 22). Chronicles describes priests standing in service and Levites praising God as incense rises.
Incense also plays a role in moments of crisis. In Numbers 16:46 to 48, Aaron offers incense as a form of intercession, and a plague stops. This moment reveals incense as a sign of mediation between God and the people.
Gordon Wenham notes that incense serves as a bridge between divine holiness and human need.
Incense in the Prophets
The prophets critique Israel when incense becomes empty ritual. Isaiah declares that incense is an abomination when paired with injustice (Isaiah 1:13). Jeremiah rebukes Israel for offering incense to other gods (Jeremiah 7:9 to 10).
The issue is not incense itself. It is worship without righteousness. True incense arises from lives shaped by compassion, humility, and faithfulness.
Carol Meyers emphasizes that the prophetic critiques remind the community that worship must align with covenant ethics.
Incense in the New Testament
Incense appears in the New Testament, especially in Luke and Revelation.
Zechariah and the Incense Offering
In Luke 1:8 to 11, Zechariah enters the sanctuary to burn incense. As he performs this sacred duty, the angel Gabriel appears and announces the birth of John the Baptist.
The people praying outside reinforce the symbolic link between incense and intercession.
Incense and Jesus
While Jesus does not offer incense, the gifts of the Magi include frankincense (Matthew 2:11). This gift foreshadows Jesus’ priestly role and the worship he will receive.
Incense in Revelation
Revelation draws heavily on temple imagery. Incense represents the prayers of God’s people.
Revelation 5:8: golden bowls of incense are “the prayers of the saints.”
Revelation 8:3 to 4: incense rises with the prayers of the saints before God.
This imagery connects earthly worship with heavenly worship, showing that prayer participates in God’s ongoing work.
New Testament scholars such as Richard Bauckham highlight how incense functions as a symbol of hope, justice, and God’s attentive presence.
Theological Meaning of Incense
Incense carries several layers of meaning.
Prayer
Incense rising symbolizes prayer rising to God with beauty, persistence, and trust.
Presence
Incense signals that God dwells with the people. It evokes awe and reverence.
Holiness
The fragrance marks the worship space as sacred. It sets apart the ordinary from the holy.
Intercession
Incense represents the priestly role of standing between God and the people.
Transformation
Incense fills the space and changes it. Worship does the same.
Gordon Wenham reminds readers that incense is not magic. It is a sign pointing to a deeper reality of communion with God.
Incense and Christian Practice Today
While many Christian traditions do not use physical incense, the symbolism remains powerful.
Worship
Incense reminds believers that worship engages all of life and draws us near to God.
Prayer
The image of prayer as incense encourages persistence, trust, and hope.
Holiness
Incense points to God’s beauty and the invitation to live lives that reflect God’s character.
Community
The rising of incense mirrors the shared prayers of a community that seeks God together.
Hope
Revelation’s imagery reminds believers that their prayers matter and reach the heart of God.
FAQ
Does incense have magical power?
No. Incense is symbolic. It points to prayer, reverence, and God’s presence.
Why was incense restricted in the Old Testament?
To protect its holiness and prevent idolatrous use.
Do Christians use incense today?
Some traditions do, especially Catholic, Orthodox, and some Anglican churches. Others use the symbolism without burning incense.
What is the main message of incense in the Bible?
That prayer rises before God and that worship draws believers into the beauty of God’s presence.
