Incense was placed inside the veil before sprinkling blood to create a cloud that would cover the mercy seat, symbolizing the concealment of God’s glory and protecting the high priest from death. This act emphasized reverence, obscured the visible presence of God, and prepared the space for the atoning blood.
Leviticus 16:12–13 says:
“Then he shall take a censer full of burning coals of fire from the altar before the Lord, with his hands full of sweet incense beaten fine, and bring it inside the veil. And he shall put the incense on the fire before the Lord, that the cloud of incense may cover the mercy seat that is on the Testimony, lest he die.”
The cloud of incense signified both the prayers of the saints and the necessary mediation between sinful man and a holy God. Without it, Aaron would have died, illustrating the seriousness of entering God’s presence improperly.
This also foreshadowed the intercessory work of Christ. Revelation 8:3–4 connects incense with intercession:
“Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God.”
The incense inside the veil declared that access to God requires mediation, reverence, and a covering. It prepared the way for the high priest to sprinkle the blood of atonement safely in the presence of the Lord.
