Overview
"And when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints." Revelation 5:8 BSB
Frankincense stands as one of Scripture's most significant aromatic symbols, representing the prayers and intercession of believers rising before God's throne. In biblical symbolism, this precious resin derived from the Boswellia tree carries profound spiritual meaning, pointing to the mediation between God and humanity. Throughout Scripture, frankincense appears in worship contexts, priestly functions, and prophetic foreshadowing, always connected to the theme of access to God's presence through intercession. Understanding frankincense as a type illuminates how the people of God are called to approach their Father through prayer and petition, and ultimately reveals the intercessory work of Jesus Christ, our great High Priest.
Biblical Account
Frankincense features prominently in the Old Testament's prescriptions for tabernacle worship and priestly service. God commanded its use in the temple's daily operations and sacrificial system, establishing it as a sacred element of Israel's worship.
"Take the following fine spices: liquid myrrh weighing five hundred shekels, fragrant cinnamon half that amount, two hundred fifty shekels, fragrant cane two hundred fifty shekels, and five hundred shekels of cassia, all according to the shekel of the sanctuary, together with a hin of olive oil. You are to make these into a sacred anointing oil, a fragrant blend, the work of a perfumer. It will be the sacred anointing oil." Exodus 30:23-25 BSB
"You are to put pure frankincense on each row to serve as a memorial portion for the bread, an offering made by fire to the Lord." Leviticus 24:7 BSB
"And the angel came and stood at the altar, holding a golden censer. He was given much incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne." Revelation 8:3 BSB
"Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, 'Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star when it rose and have come to worship Him.' And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshipped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh." Matthew 2:1-2, 11 BSB
Theological Significance
Frankincense represents the prayers and intercession of the redeemed people of God. Just as the fragrant smoke of incense rises visibly and pleasantly before God's throne, so do the prayers of believers ascend as a sweet aroma before the Father. This connection reveals a central truth of Christian theology: believers have the privilege and responsibility of intercession, bringing their petitions and the needs of others before God's throne of grace.
The presence of frankincense in the wise men's gifts to Christ foreshadows His role as the ultimate intercessor. Jesus Christ, seated at the right hand of God, perpetually makes intercession for believers, presenting their prayers before the Father with His own merits and righteousness. "Therefore He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them." Hebrews 7:25 BSB Furthermore, Christ's intercessory work fulfills the Old Testament priestly symbolism, where frankincense accompanied the priest's ministry in the holy place.
Key Bible Verses
- Exodus 30:34-35 BSB — The Lord specified frankincense as a component of the sacred incense burned daily in His tabernacle.
- Leviticus 2:1-2 BSB — Frankincense was included in grain offerings presented to God as a memorial portion.
- Revelation 5:8 BSB — The prayers of saints are symbolized as golden bowls of incense before God's throne.
- Matthew 2:11 BSB — The wise men presented frankincense to Jesus, recognizing His divine nature and priestly office.
- Hebrews 10:19-22 BSB — Believers are invited to draw near to God's throne through Christ's sacrifice, fulfilling the access that incense symbolized.
Application
Believers today should recognize frankincense's symbolic message in their prayer lives and intercessory responsibilities. Just as frankincense rose before God in the ancient tabernacle, prayers offered in faith ascend as a sweet aroma before the Father's throne. "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 BSB By understanding frankincense as a type of intercession, Christians are called to embrace their privilege of approaching God through prayer, secure in the knowledge that Christ, our great High Priest, ever intercedes on their behalf with perfect righteousness and efficacy.