Incense
Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia
(Exod. 30:34-38; Lev. 16:12-13; Sir. 24:15; Matt. 2:11; Luke 1:9)—a fragrant offering burned in Israel’s worship. God commanded Moses to prepare a sacred compound from aromatic substances—stacte, onycha, galbanum, and pure frankincense in equal proportions—seasoned with salt, pure, and holy. It was reserved for the LORD; anyone who made the same mixture for personal enjoyment was to be cut off from the people (Exod. 30:34-38).