Overview
Frankincense was a costly aromatic substance burned in the tabernacle as part of Israel's worship practices. This fragrant resin appears throughout Scripture as a symbol of prayer rising before God and as a valuable trade good, representing wealth and honor.
Key Scriptures
"When anyone presents a grain offering to the LORD, his offering shall be of fine flour. He shall pour oil on it and put frankincense on it" (Leviticus 2:1, ESV).
"Then the priest shall take from the grain offering its memorial portion and burn this on the altar, an offering by fire of a soothing aroma to the LORD" (Leviticus 2:2, NASB).
"The merchants of the earth weep and mourn over her, because no one buys their cargo anymore—cargo of gold, silver, jewels, pearls, fine linen, purple cloth, silk, scarlet cloth, all kinds of scented wood, all kinds of articles of ivory, all kinds of articles of costly wood, bronze, iron and marble" (Revelation 18:11-12, ESV).
Application
Just as frankincense was offered to honor God, we should present our prayers and worship with sincerity and reverence, recognizing their value before His throne.