This Article: (5 Pages)
- 1. Patented Perfumes
- 2. Why design the perfume?
- 3. Why is smell important?
- 4. Smelling and Remembering
- 5. Prayer, in analogy, as incense
5) Prayer, in analogy, as incense
In the Tabernacle and Temple people might associate their prayers with the smell of the ascending incense. We are told Hannah prayed at the temple for a son, and it seems to have become a custom.
<A Psalm of David.> LORD, I cry unto thee: make haste unto me; give ear unto my voice, when I cry unto thee. Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. (Psalm 141:1-2 KJV)
And thou shalt burn the whole ram upon the altar: it is a burnt offering unto the LORD: it is a sweet savour, an offering made by fire unto the LORD. (Exodus 29:18 KJV)
Most of the time Raych has is used in relationship to the sacrifices and most often it is associated with this word. It is associated 19 times and nîychôach meaning restful, that is, pleasant; abstractly delight: - sweet (odour). Yahweh was given rest by the perfume he designed - but no other was allowed
Ye shall offer no strange incense thereon, nor burnt sacrifice, nor meat offering; neither shall ye pour drink offering thereon. (Exodus 30:9 KJV)
It seems the altar of incense was specially designed for the perfume and no other type was to be used. So not only was it a special perfume but it had a unique delivery device.
Think how fragrant this place was. Burning and cooking meat with salt. And fresh unleavened bread with oil, the smell of oil burning lamps the prafrance of the anointing oil on eth warm surfaces, the smell of ointment and the insence buring morning and evening. And all the while the fabric retaining the smell – and in the dimmness under the canopy the smell would be iuntesnified in effectivelynot to mention that the fabric and covering s would retain the scent.
There were no windows and the evidence seems to suport the insence and buring made a cloud tah tmade visibuilty even lower – that the glory of Yaweh on et hTabernacle was hidden in smoke. So the high priest would not see the glory and die. So a very powerful expereince a dimm space sand smoke taking up and difracting the brilliant light of the glaory between the cherubim. Just as a bushfire turns the whole sky a dull misty colour and as a smoke machine softens the light.
Paul, who would remember temple service, most notes the smell of the sacrifices
(Phi 4:18 KJV) But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.
There are two sides- one that Yahweh smells a right smell one he designed, and remebers his people secondly his people have a separate or sared secent hat brings to mind their Creator, and they only smelle that in one place. And the thought of the memeory would aways be assocaited with the scent.
Now Y'shua said nothing about incense in the service under the new covenant. And it is interesting that Judaism now has no incense either. For both the temple is absent. Something not here but that we are waiting for. For when Yeshua returns it speaks of his garments smelling of perfumes.
Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre. Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. All thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, whereby they have made thee glad. (Psalm 45:6-8 KJV)
If the anointing oil is the same or similar to that patented ointment used to anoint Aaron as the high priest it is likely that it would be be perfumed with a distinctive and recognisable scent. There is not anything said about the use of incense in Ezekiel's vision of the future ideal worship, when he speaks of the sacrifices or of the garments. However, Isaiah is certain that in the future glory of Zion that those of Sheba will bring incense.
Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. .. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising. Lift up thine eyes ... Then thou shalt see, and flow together, and thine heart shall fear, and be enlarged; because the abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee. The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all they from Sheba shall come: they shall bring gold and incense; and they shall shew forth the praises of the LORD. All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together unto thee, the rams of Nebaioth shall minister unto thee: they shall come up with acceptance on mine altar, and I will glorify the house of my glory. (Isa 60:1-7 KJV)
Solomon's song prefigures one who like a high priest has his garments perfumed with incense.
Who is this that cometh out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all powders of the merchant? (Son 3:6 KJV)
The wise men of the East knew of the gifts suitable for a king/priest, for they brought spiced scents.
When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. (Mat 2:10-11 KJV)
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