Incense was an important element of Israelite worship. In fact, the LORD commanded Moses
to make a special altar for the burning of incense, about 18-inches wide, 18-inches deep and
36-inches high. The High Priest would carry burning coals from the altar of sacrifice outside
the Tent Tabernacle, to the incense altar inside the Tent Tabernacle to keep the incense burning
continuously. Like the anointing oil, God commanded that it was not to be replicated (V. 3 7 ). The incense of the Tabernacle was holy and designed to be set apart from ordinary life. Once a year, Aaron would purify the altar by anointing its horns with sacrificial blood from the burnt offering made to purify the sins of the people. Psalm 51 and Revelation reveal why this was important: a broken and contrite heart is a true sacrifice, holy and precious in the sight of the LORD, and incense represents the prayers of the saints (PSALM 51:17, REVELATION 5:8, 8:3-4). Holiness, then, is God hearing a pure and repentant prayer of faith. He will always hear your heart cry.
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Up Next in January 2026
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Lord, Have Mercy!; Exodus 33-36
How do we best describe mercy? On the one hand, it is a simple term that is easy for anyone
to understand, yet on the other hand it carries with it a great responsibility of knowing the
truth about yourself and others. Without mercy, none of us would be living right now! Without
mercy, every good...