The altar of incense represents the prayers of God’s people ascending before Him and the need for continual fellowship through intercession. Placed in the Holy Place before the veil that separated the Most Holy Place, it stood closest to the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing the nearness of prayer to God’s throne.
Exodus 30:7–8 explains its use:
“Aaron shall burn on it sweet incense every morning; when he tends the lamps, he shall burn incense on it. And when Aaron lights the lamps at twilight, he shall burn incense on it, a perpetual incense before the Lord throughout your generations.”
The incense was burned daily, creating a fragrant aroma that filled the sanctuary, signifying the acceptability and pleasing nature of prayer offered in accordance with God’s will. This symbolism is affirmed in Psalm 141:2:
“Let my prayer be set before You as incense, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.”
On the Day of Atonement, blood was applied to the altar’s horns (Leviticus 16:18–19), showing that even prayer requires atonement. Fellowship with God is possible only through the shedding of blood and purification from sin.
This altar points forward to Christ, who intercedes for believers continually (Hebrews 7:25). Revelation 8:3–4 also portrays incense as the prayers of the saints rising before God through the mediation of Christ:
“And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel’s hand.”
The altar of incense teaches that prayer is vital, constant, and dependent on Christ’s intercession, reminding believers to draw near to God with confidence through Him.
