What Altar Was Made of Incense?
In the context of biblical and ancient religious practices, altars held central significance in worship, sacrifice, and communication with the divine. Among these sacred structures, there was a particular altar known as the Altar of Incense, which had a distinct purpose, design, and symbolism, especially in the Hebrew tabernacle and later in the Temple in Jerusalem. Understanding what this altar was and why it was made of incense involves exploring its biblical description, ritual function, and spiritual symbolism.
1. Biblical Description of the Altar of Incense
The Altar of Incense (sometimes called the Golden Altar) is described in the Book of Exodus, particularly in Exodus 30:1–10. Unlike the larger altar used for burnt offerings, which was made of bronze and used for animal sacrifices, this altar had unique characteristics:
-
Material: It was made of acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold.
-
Dimensions: It was a square altar, approximately one cubit (about 18 inches) in height and one cubit long and wide.
-
Location: It stood inside the Holy Place, directly in front of the veil separating the Holy of Holies.
-
Ritual Use: Incense was burned on it every morning and evening as prescribed in the Law of Moses. The smoke was considered a pleasing aroma to God.
The altar was distinct from the larger Bronze Altar outside the Holy Place, which was used for sacrifices involving fire and animals. The Altar of Incense, being inside the sacred enclosure, was closely associated with prayer and intercession.
2. Purpose and Function
The primary purpose of the Altar of Incense was to burn aromatic incense as part of the daily rituals in the tabernacle. The incense had a sacred significance:
-
Symbol of Prayer: The rising smoke symbolized the prayers of the people ascending to God (Psalm 141:2).
-
Atonement: Once a year, the high priest would apply incense on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) as part of the ritual to make atonement for the sins of the people (Exodus 30:10).
-
Sanctification: It served to sanctify the Holy Place and maintain a continuous sense of God’s presence.
Only priests were allowed to burn incense on this altar. Unauthorized use was strictly forbidden, and violations could result in severe punishment (Exodus 30:9).
3. Material Significance: Gold and Incense
The choice of materials for the altar held deep symbolic meaning:
-
Acacia Wood: Durable and resistant to decay, symbolizing purity, endurance, and separation from common use.
-
Gold Overlay: Represented holiness, divinity, and the unapproachable nature of God. Gold, being precious and incorruptible, reflected the sacredness of the altar and its purpose.
-
Incense: Made from a specific mixture of aromatic spices (Exodus 30:34–38), which was considered holy and set apart. The incense represented the beauty, sweetness, and sanctity of prayer offered to God.
Together, the altar and the incense symbolized the union of human devotion and divine acceptance.
4. Spiritual and Theological Symbolism
The Altar of Incense was more than a physical object—it carried profound theological and spiritual symbolism:
-
Prayer as Sacrifice: Just as animal sacrifices were offered for atonement, the burning of incense represented spiritual offerings—prayers, devotion, and intercession.
-
Mediation: Positioned before the Holy of Holies, the altar symbolized the role of the priest as an intermediary between God and the people.
-
God’s Presence: The sweet aroma of incense was a tangible representation of God’s pleasure and acceptance of worship.
-
Continuity of Worship: The daily burning of incense signified the constancy of worship and the perpetual relationship between God and His people.
In the New Testament, Christians often interpret the Altar of Incense as a type or foreshadowing of Christ’s intercessory prayer for humanity (Revelation 8:3–4), connecting the ritual to a spiritual reality beyond the literal incense.
5. Placement and Ritual Procedure
-
The altar was placed directly in front of the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place.
-
Incense was burned twice daily: morning and evening.
-
The priest would wash hands and feet before approaching the altar, emphasizing ritual purity (Exodus 30:17–21).
-
A special incense formula was required, and no substitutes were allowed, highlighting obedience and reverence.
This careful placement and procedure ensured that the act of burning incense remained sacred and meaningful.
Conclusion
The Altar of Incense was a sacred structure made of acacia wood overlaid with gold, designed specifically for burning incense in the tabernacle and later in the Temple. It represented the prayers, devotion, and intercession of the people, sanctifying the Holy Place and symbolizing the constant presence of God among His worshipers. Beyond its physical function, the altar carried deep spiritual symbolism: prayer as a pleasing aroma, mediation between God and humanity, and the enduring sanctity of worship. In both Jewish and Christian interpretations, the Altar of Incense continues to serve as a powerful reminder of the sacredness of devotion, prayer, and spiritual intercession.