FEBRUARY 13, 2026 – ALTAR OF INCENSE – LAVER – ANOINTING OIL

READ: Ex. 30:1–38: … Aaron shall burn on it sweet incense every morning … Aaron shall make atonement upon its horns once a year with the blood of the sin offering of atonement … When they go into the tabernacle … they shall wash with water, lest they die … a holy anointing oil …

The principal work of the priests is the bringing of offerings. The altar of incense, the only altar inside the tent of meeting, stands close to the veil of the Most Holy Place, near the mercy seat. This is significant: from His throne, within His covenant fellowship with the people, the LORD desires to delight in the pleasing fragrance of the incense.

Each day, morning and evening, the same incense must be offered. No other offerings may be burned upon it. The incense symbolizes the prayers of the believers, which themselves require atonement. We know that our prayers are sanctified by the sacrifice of Christ on the cross (Heb. 9:1, 15; Rev. 5:8; 8:3–4).

David says in Psalm 141:1–2: “LORD, I cry out to You; make haste to me! Give ear to my voice when I cry out to You. Let my prayer be set before You as incense, the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.”

Atonement for the altar of incense takes place on each great Day of Atonement, when some of the blood is sprinkled on its horns. This must occur annually. The composition of the incense must strictly follow the prescriptions of verses 34–38. It may not be imitated by anyone, on penalty of death. It must be most holy.

Can you indicate why our prayers are important?
Sing: Ps. 51:3