Incense

A fragrant composition prepared by the “art of the apothecary.” It consisted of four ingredients “beaten small” (Ex. 30:34-36). That which was not thus prepared was called “strange incense” (30:9). It was offered along with every meat-offering; and besides was daily offered on the golden altar in the holy place, and on the great day of atonement was burnt by the high priest in the holy of holies (30:7, 8). It was the symbol of prayer (Ps. 141:1, 2; Rev. 5:8; 8:3, 4).

from the Latin “to burn,” “a mixture of gums or spices and the like, used for the purpose of producing a perfume when burned;” or the perfume itself of the spices, etc., burned in worship. The incense employed in the service of the tabernacle walls compounded of the perfumes stacte, onycha, galbanum and pure frankincense. All incense which was not made of these ingredients was forbidden to be offered. (Exodus 30:9) Aaron, as high priest, was originally appointed to offer incense each morning and evening. The times of offering incense were specified in the instructions first given to Moses. (Exodus 30:7,8) When the priest entered the holy place with the incense, all the people were removed from the temple, and from between the porch and the altar. Cf. (Luke 1:10) Profound silence was observed among the congregation who were praying without, cf. (Revelation 8:1) and at a signal from the perfect the priest cast the incense on the fire and, bowing reverently toward the holy of holies, retired slowly backward. The offering of incense has formed part of the religious ceremonies of most ancient nations. It was an element in the idolatrous worship of the Israelites. (2 Chronicles 34:25; Jeremiah 11:12,17; 48:35) It would seem to be symbolical, not of itself, but of that which makes acceptable, the intercession of Christ. In (Revelation 8:3,4) the incense is of as something distinct from offered with the prayers of, all the saints cf. (Luke 1:10) and in Reve 6:8 It is the golden vials, and not the odors or incense, which are said to be the prayers of saints.

IN'CENSE. Ex 30:8. This was a compound of frankincense and other gums or spices, the materials and manufacture of which are particularly prescribed. Ex 30:34-36. See Frankincense. It was the business of the priest to burn it morning and evening upon an altar specially erected for this purpose, and thence called the altar of incense. The preparation of it for common use was positively forbidden; neither could any other composition be offered as incense on this altar, nor could this be offered by any but the priest. The offering of incense was symbolical of prayer, or, as some think, rather of that which makes prayer acceptable — the intercession of Christ. See Altar, Censer, Frankincense. Incense was considered sacred, and might be offered by the priest only. When King Uzziah attempted to use it in the temple, he was struck with leprosy. 2 Chr 26:16-21. Incense was offered to heathen deities and idols, Jer 11:12, 1 Kgs 11:17, and the angels offer it in heaven. Rev 8:3.

IN'CENSE. Ex 30:8. This was a compound of frankincense and other gums or spices, the materials and manufacture of which are particularly prescribed. Ex 30:34-36. See Frankincense. It was the business of the priest to burn it morning and evening upon an altar specially erected for this purpose, and thence called the altar of incense. The preparation of it for common use was positively forbidden; neither could any other composition be offered as incense on this altar, nor could this be offered by any but the priest. The offering of incense was symbolical of prayer, or, as some think, rather of that which makes prayer acceptable — the intercession of Christ. See Altar, Censer, Frankincense. Incense was considered sacred, and might be offered by the priest only. When King Uzziah attempted to use it in the temple, he was struck with leprosy. 2 Chr 26:16-21. Incense was offered to heathen deities and idols, Jer 11:12, 1 Kgs 11:17, and the angels offer it in heaven. Rev 8:3.

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. The perfume or odors exhaled from spices and gums when burned in celebrating religious rites or as an offering to some deity. A thick of incense went up. Ezek. viii. 11.

2. The materials used for the purpose of producing a perfume when burned, as fragrant gums, spices, frankincense, etc. Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon. Lev. x. 1.

3. Also used figuratively. Or heap the shrine of luxury and pride, With incense kindled at the Muse's flame. Gray. Incense tree, the name of several balsamic trees of the genus Bursera (or Icica) mostly tropical American. The gum resin is used for incense. In Jamaica the Chrysobalanus Icaco, a tree related to the plums, is called incense tree. -- Incense wood, the fragrant wood of the tropical American tree Bursera heptaphylla.

Part of speech: verb (v.)

1. To set on fire; to inflame; to kindle; to burn. [Obs.] Twelve Trojan princes wait on thee, and labor to incense Thy glorious heap of funeral. Chapman.

2. To inflame with anger; to endkindle; to fire; to incite; to provoke; to heat; to madden. The people are incensed him. Shak.

Synonyms: enrage; exasperate; provoke; anger; irritate; heat; fire; instigate.

Part of speech: verb (v.)

1. To offer incense to. See Incense. [Obs.] Chaucer.

2. To perfume with, or as with, incense. "Incensed with wanton sweets." Marston.