LET MY PRAYER BE AS INCENSE

The references to “incense” and “evening sacrifice”, v. 2, imply that David had in mind the daily sacrifices which were offered morning and evening. They were accompanied by a gift offering of flour mingled with oil. Closely associated were the incense offerings, performed every morning and evening at the altar of incense situated within the holy place, Exod. 29. 38-42; 30. 7, 8. The incense offered by the priest consisted of a compound of sweet spices. One of these was frankincense which also formed an essential part of the gift offering, Lev. 2. 2. The sacrifice to which David refers in verse 2 is the gift offering (see margin).

Incense is a symbol of prayer, Rev. 5. 8; 8. 3. David desired the lifting up of his hands in prayer to be as incense giving pleasure to God. He was therefore concerned that his life should be consistent with his prayer. Even if righteous rebuke was necessary, he was ready to accept it gladly, so that nothing should prevent the acceptance of his prayer, Psa. 141. 3-5. If David had his desire in his day, how much more should we with greater privileges seek to bring pleasure to our Father by “lifting up holy hands” in prayer, 1 Tim. 2. 8.

Daniel’s prayer, made at the time of the evening gift offering, must have ascended as incense. The visit of Gabriel to him was proof that his prayer was accepted. Similarly with Cornelius; his prayers and almsgiving went up as “a memorial before God”, Dan. 9. 21; Acts 10. 4.

The Holy Spirit has given us a knowledge of the Levitical sacrifices not possessed by David. We understand that the flour and the oil of the gift offering are typical of the holy and perfect humanity of Christ. The added frankincense speaks of the fragrance, which His life here below yielded to the heart of the Father. The golden altar, where the incense was presented, typifies Him exalted as our High Priest engaged in the work of intercession for us. These things should encourage us to a deeper sincerity in prayer, because

“To all our prayers and praises Christ adds His sweet perfume.”

“By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually … the fruit of our lips”, Heb. 13. 15.