In Exodus 30 What Does The Altar Of Incense Teach Us About The Nature Of Prayer And Worship?

The Altar of Incense in Exodus 30: Lessons on Prayer and Worship

Nestled within the instructions for the Tabernacle, Exodus 30 introduces us to a remarkable object: the Altar of Incense. This golden altar, though smaller than the altar of burnt offering, stands powerfully symbolic in the heart of Israel's worship. What does this altar teach us about the nature of prayer and worship? Let’s explore its features, purpose, and deep spiritual lessons for our relationship with God.

The Altar’s Design and Placement

God commanded Moses:

And thou shalt make an altar to burn incense upon: of acacia wood shalt thou make it... And thou shalt put it before the veil that is by the ark of the testimony, before the mercy-seat that is over the testimony, where I will meet with thee. - Exodus 30:1, 6 ASV

This altar was placed right before the veil separating the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place—the earthly symbol of God’s presence. Only the High Priest could pass beyond, but the altar stood as close as possible, signifying the intimacy God desires in worship and prayer.

The Sweet Incense: Symbol of Prayer

Each morning and evening, the priest would burn sweet incense, a fragrant offering rising up to God:

And Aaron shall burn thereon incense of sweet spices every morning... a perpetual incense before Jehovah throughout your generations. - Exodus 30:7-8 ASV

The Bible consistently likens incense to prayer. The Psalms declare:

Let my prayer be set forth as incense before thee; The lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. - Psalm 141:2 ASV

In Revelation, the symbolism continues:

And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel’s hand. - Revelation 8:4 ASV

Thus, the altar reminds us that prayer is a continual, fragrant offering to God—something He desires and delights in.

Lessons for Our Prayer Life

Prayer Is Central to Worship: The altar’s position, just before the presence of God, shows prayer’s centrality. True worship is not just ritual or song—it is communion and communication with God (Philippians 4:6).
Prayer Requires Purity: The High Priest had to offer a yearly atonement for the altar (Exodus 30:10). This points to the need for cleansing and forgiveness. In Christ, we have access to God because of His atoning sacrifice (Hebrews 10:19-22).
Prayer Is Ongoing: Incense was to be offered “perpetually”—morning and evening. Our relationship with God is not confined to set times but is to be ongoing, marked by continual dependence and fellowship (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
Prayer Is Sweet to God: The incense was carefully prepared and considered holy. God finds joy and pleasure in the sincere prayers of His people (Proverbs 15:8).
Prayer Is Through Christ: While only the priest could offer the incense, now all believers are invited to God’s presence through Jesus, our High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16).

Christ, Our Altar and Intercessor

The altar of incense ultimately points to Jesus Christ. He is both the mediator and the fragrant offering, interceding for us before the Father:

Wherefore also he is able to save to the uttermost them that draw near unto God through him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. - Hebrews 7:25 ASV

Our prayers, offered in Jesus’ name, are always welcomed and effective before God.

Conclusion

The altar of incense is a vivid reminder: prayer is at the heart of worship, accessible through Christ, and precious to God. As we approach God, let our prayers be sincere, continual, and marked by gratitude for the finished work of Jesus.

Ask the Bible