INCENSE HOURS IN THE TEMPLE
Hours of Incense in the Temple of Jerusalem and Their Significance
The use of incense in the Temple of Jerusalem was a deeply significant ritual in ancient Jewish worship, intricately tied to the daily life and spiritual practices of the Israelites. This practice is rooted in the instructions given by God to Moses and continued through the First and Second Temple periods.
Biblical Instructions and Composition
The instructions for the incense offering are detailed in the Book of Exodus. God commanded Moses to make a special blend of sweet spices, including stacte, onycha, galbanum, and pure frankincense, in equal parts (Ex 30:34-38). This incense was to be considered holy, and its composition was not to be replicated for personal use. The altar of incense, made of acacia wood and overlaid with gold, was placed before the veil that separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies (Ex 30:1-10).
Daily Rituals and Hours of Incense Offering
The priests, descendants of Aaron, were responsible for burning incense on the altar every morning and evening. This was a perpetual offering to the Lord (Ex 30:7-8). The fire used for burning the incense was taken from the altar of burnt offering, emphasizing the connection between the sacrifices and the incense offering (Lev 16:12).
According to Jewish tradition, the incense was offered twice daily:
– Morning Offering: The first incense offering occurred in the morning, around the third hour (9-10 AM), coinciding with the morning Tamid lamb sacrifice (Num 28:4-8) and the communal “Shacharit” prayer service (Acts 2:15).
– Evening Offering: The second incense offering took place in the evening, around the ninth hour (3-4 PM), during the afternoon Tamid lamb sacrifice (Num 28:4-8) and the “Minchah” prayer service (Acts 3:1; 10:9).
Symbolism and Significance
The burning of incense in the Temple held profound theological significance. It symbolized purification and sanctification, representing the people’s prayers ascending to God. This act also underscored the holiness and otherness of God, reminding the Israelites of the sacredness of their worship and their need for divine grace and mercy.
The rising smoke of the incense was a tangible manifestation of the prayers of the faithful, rising to heaven. This is echoed in the Psalms, where David prays, “May my prayer be set before you like incense” (Ps 141:2). In the New Testament, the Book of Revelation describes the prayers of the saints as golden bowls full of incense (Rev 5:8; 8:3-4).
The altar of incense, situated before the mercy seat of the Ark, symbolized the intercession of Christ. Just as the incense was a continual offering, Christ’s mediation on behalf of humanity is perpetual (Heb 7:25; 9:24).
Catholic Teachings and Traditions
The Catholic Church continues this tradition, using incense during Mass and other liturgical celebrations. The use of incense is a sacramental, meaning it is a sacred sign that helps prepare the faithful to receive grace and dispose them to cooperate with it. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1670) states:
“Sacramentals do not confer the grace of the Holy Spirit in the way that the sacraments do, but by the Church’s prayer, they prepare us to receive grace and dispose us to cooperate with it.”
The Church uses incense in various ways during liturgies, such as at the Gospel reading, the Eucharistic prayer, and processions, to signify the sanctification and prayers of the faithful.
REFLECTION
For Christians today, the incense offering in the Temple of Jerusalem serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of prayer and intercession. The rising smoke of the incense symbolizes our prayers ascending to God, emphasizing the need for a continual and heartfelt prayer life.
Moreover, the connection between the incense offering and Christ’s intercession highlights the significance of Jesus’ role as our mediator. Just as the incense was burned with fire from the altar of burnt offering, our prayers are made holy and acceptable through the sacrifice of Christ. This underscores the importance of approaching God with a pure heart, seeking not just to fulfill rituals, but to cultivate a genuine relationship with Him.
In our daily lives, let us strive to make our prayers a sweet-smelling aroma to God, offered with sincerity and faith. Let us also remember the importance of interceding for others, following the example of Christ, who continually intercedes on our behalf. May our prayers rise like incense before the Lord, bringing us closer to Him and aligning our hearts with His divine will.