The Most Holy Incense (Prayer)
Today’s passage (Exo 30:34-38) talks about how the proper incense should be offered. However, when we look at Revelation 5:8 and Revelation 8:3-4, we are told that the incense represents the prayers of the saints. Therefore, the method for making incense to be used at the Altar of Incense in today’s passage can be seen as revealing to us what kind of prayers we, as believers ought to offer.
- Stacte (Exo 30:34)
The Hebrew word for stacte is “nataph”, which means “a drop” or “tear-like.” This is because when the sap of the stacte tree oozes out, it does so in the shape of droplets, resembling tears.
Typically, in order to obtain resin, people must cut the tree or make incisions. But stacte is unique-it doesn’t need any external force. As long as the sun rises, even briefly from behind the clouds, the sap naturally begins to flow from the tree.
In Scripture (Mal 4:2; Luke 1:79; Psa 84:11), God is compared to the sun. Therefore, in terms of spiritual attitude, stacte represents a heart that genuinely loves God. When we love someone, we are overwhelmed by that love. If we truly love God, then even when we merely hear the name “God.” The stacte of our love should naturally flow from within.
In the form of prayer, stacte represents a prayer that longs for the Lord and yearns for the Father’s will (Heb 5:7-9). Even though Jesus was God Himself, He prayed with “loud crying and tears” for the fulfilment of the Father’s will. This expresses how Jesus prayed sincerely and wholeheartedly. Likewise, when we pray, we too should long for God and passionately seek the fulfilment of the Father’s will with heartfelt, earnest prayer-sometimes with “loud crying and tears.”
- Onycha (Exo 30:34)
The Hebrew word for onycha is “shecheleth”, which means “shell” or “claim shell.” It refers to taking the shell of a mollusk, drying it, crushing it into powder, and using it as incense. Although the fragrance is derived by breaking the shell, it is said that the most fragrant part is found deep inside-near the opening of the shell. In other words, onycha is extracted by breaking open the shell and scraping out what is inside.
Spiritually, this symbolizes a broken and contrite heart (Psa 51:17). The Hebrew word for “broken” here is “Shabar”, which means “to break, to shatter into pieces.” It refers to a heart that is shattered, crushed, and deeply torn.
We are often afraid to reveal our brokenness. We fear that others will label us as weak or look down on us. But God tells us to bring our broken hearts to Him. He does not want us to hide or pretend they do not exist. He wants us to bring them to Him just as they are-because He alone can heal them (Psa 34:18; Psa 147:3). In terms of prayer, onycha represents the prayer of humility.
Luke 18:10-13 records the prayers of two men. The Pharisee was full of self-righteousness. He presented all the good things he had done before God-but this was not a prayer for God to hear, it was a performance for the people around him. It was a formal, superficial prayer.
But the tax collector could not even lift his eyes. He beat his chest and confessed that he had nothing to boast of. He pleaded for God’s mercy. This is the prayer of humility-the prayer of onycha.
- Galbanum (Exo 30:34)
The Hebrew word for galbanum is “chelbenah”, which means “fragrant resin.” It is obtained by making incisions in the stem of the plant to extract its sap. What is unique about galbanum is that it was commonly used as detoxifying agent or a solvent.
In the Bible, what does poison represent? Poison is associated with the words that come from our lips (Rom 3:13; Psa 140:3). Therefore, in terms of spiritual posture, galbanum represents a heart that strives not to misuse the tongue. The Bible tells us to guard our tongue and to season our words with grace and wisdom (1 Pet 3:10; Col 4:6).
It is true that we can uplift others through our words. But it is equally true that people can be deeply hurt by our words. That is why we must cultivate the habit of praying before we speak-praying that our words may comfort, encourage, and build up. In terms of prayer, galbanum represents the prayer of repentance. Through repentance, our sins are removed and wiped away. The poison within us is dissolved, and God’s healing begins (Acts 3:19).
- Frankincense (Exo 30:34)
The Hebrew word for frankincense is “lebonah” which means “white” or “pure.” The word itself carries the meaning of purity and holiness. The Bible teaches us that the way to become holy and sanctified involves both the Word of God and prayer (1 Tim 4:5). Thus, the frankincense represents prayer that is offered in conjunction with God’s Word.
In terms of spiritual posture, frankincense represents a life that is grounded in both the Word and prayer (Prov 16:20; Jhn 15:7). In terms of prayer, frankincense represents prayer according to the Word of God.
Conclusion:
The Most Holy Incense
The Altar of Incense was not placed inside the Holy of Holies, but in the Holy Place. However, regarding this altar and the incense that came from it, God referred to it as “most holy”-a term normally reserved for the Holy of Holies. Thrpough this, God was showing us that it is through prayer that we are able to approach the Holy of Holies (Exo 30:36).
Of course, when Jesus Christ was crucified, the veil of the temple was torn, signifying that the way into the Most Holy Place was no longer blocked. Because Jesus became our eternal High Priest, we no longer need to rely on another earthly priest to approach the Holy of Holies. Anyone who believes in Jesus now has access to the Most Holy Place.
When we , as believers in Jesus, pray in the name of Jesus, we are granted access to the Holy of Holies. And by using all four kinds of incense-the four types of prayer we learned today-we can daily, hourly, every minute, and every second enter the Most Holy Place, the place of God’s presence, where His Word and His answers are given.
The Lord's Covenant Church Malaysia 