Fragrance plays a significant role in our sensory experience and spiritual connection with God. Our sense of smell, though not as acute as that of many of God's creatures, allows us to distinguish up to ten thousand separate odors, deeply intertwining with memory and emotion. Smells can evoke powerful recollections and moods, influencing our behavior and state of mind. In the sacred context of the tabernacle, the altar of incense stands as a profound symbol of this connection through fragrance. Positioned directly in front of the veil to the Holy of Holies, this altar, crafted from durable acacia wood and overlaid with gold, was the source of a pleasing aroma that wafted up before the mercy seat. Every day, the officiating priest burned five pounds of incense—half in the morning and half in the evening—creating a continuous offering of scent that symbolized the prayers of the faithful rising to God. This generous amount of incense reflects God's desire for abundant communication, urging us to pour out our hearts fully in prayer. The recipe for this holy incense was intricate, involving four primary ingredients—stacte, onycha, galbanum, and frankincense—along with additional sweet spices, totaling eleven distinct fragrances. These ranged from sweet and savory to pungent and bitter, representing the full spectrum of human experience brought before God. A cup of salt was added to this mixture, symbolizing the perpetual covenant between God and His people, reminding us of the enduring, pure, and holy nature of this relationship. Before being offered, the incense was ground very fine, ensuring an even burn and a pure white smoke. This act of grinding symbolizes the care we must take in our prayers, considering all aspects—sweet, bitter, savory, and sour—of our concerns and presenting them comprehensively to God. Through this fragrant offering, we are reminded of the closeness of God, separated only by a thin veil, ever near to hear our prayers as the aroma of incense drifts before His throne.

The meal offering, as described in Leviticus 2:9, is an offering made by fire, a sweet aroma to the Lord, much like the burnt offering, signifying a pleasing sacrifice to God. In Leviticus 2:1, the inclusion of frankincense alongside fine flour and oil in the meal offering adds to this sweet savor, enhancing God's satisfaction. Frankincense, known for its sweet fragrance, releases its greatest aroma when heat is applied, symbolizing the enduring attitude of a person under the pressure of trials in service to others. This fragrance represents the pleasant satisfaction God experiences when His children endure hardships without grumbling, especially in unstinting service to their brethren. Incense, often used in offerings, billowed up in a smoky cloud, filling sacred spaces with a fragrant odor, portraying a positive imagery of scent that reflects God's contentment with proper worship.