The Ingredients Of The Incense

The “altar to burn incense” (v. 1), is one of the items inside “the holy place” (Ex 26:33), of the Tabernacle. Aaron was instructed to burn “sweet incense every morning” (v. 7), and at night (v. 8). God gave him the ingredients for making the incense (v. 34). The fire used to burn it was from “a censer full of burning coals of fire from off the altar before the Lord” (Lev 16:12). No other offerings shall be placed on that altar (v. 9); “it is most holy unto the Lord” (v. 10).

When the incense was burned, its fragrance filled the Tabernacle and everyone knew that worship was taking place. The smoke ascended and its scent came up before God to please Him (Mal 1:11). Aaron was also given instructions on how to “temper” or mix together the ingredients for the incense. This speaks about the personal nature of our worship and how we must approach the Lord. It must be “pure and holy.” The tempering process during those days requires the use of salt (Lev 2:13). Salt is used to cleanse or purify (Eze 43:24). It speaks of the condition of our hearts when we come before the presence of God (Ps 95:2).

We must ensure that our hearts are purified “in obeying the truth through the Spirit” (1 Pet 1:22). God will not hear our prayers if we “regard iniquity” (Ps 66:18), in our hearts - His face will be hidden from us (Isa 59:2)! Some of the incense must also be beaten “very small” (v. 36), or reduced into powder. This speaks clearly of humility. When we approach God in worship, we must first call on Him “out of a pure heart” (2 Tim 2:22), then in humility (Jms 4:10). We must eliminate any pride, pretense, or boasting in our hearts (1 Pet 5:6). We must come broken before Him (Mk 14:3). Because without Him, we “can do nothing” (Jn 15:5); we have nothing, and we are nothing! God bless you!

- Pastor Melito Barrera