What is the context?
The incense is a fragrant blend of gum resin, onycha, galbanum and frankincense in equal measures. It is prepared by a perfumer, seasoned with salt, and ground finely for use before the Testimony where God meets with Moses.
Like the anointing oil, this particular mixture belongs to the appointed worship. The people must regard it as holy to the LORD and must not reproduce it for their own enjoyment. The distinction protects its dedicated purpose within Israel’s life with God.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Wesley and Calvin understand the restriction as preserving reverence for what God has set apart. Calvin also connects the incense’s pleasing fragrance with the acceptance of His people’s prayers. Their emphasis here is on honoring the purpose for which God sets the blend apart.
Where does this fit in God's plan?
The New Testament explicitly uses incense as an image of God’s people’s prayers. In Revelation 5:6–10, golden bowls of incense are identified with the prayers of the saints before the Lamb, who has redeemed people from every nation and made them a kingdom and priests.
Revelation 8:1–5 presents incense with the saints’ prayers rising before God, followed by fire from the altar cast to the earth. The vision places their prayers within God’s dealings with the world. The worship symbol reaches beyond a fragrance in Israel’s sanctuary to the prayers of the people He redeems and the action of the God who hears them.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.