Numbers 7:26
One golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense:
Original Language Analysis
כַּ֥ף
spoon
H3709
כַּ֥ף
spoon
Strong's:
H3709
Word #:
1 of 6
the hollow hand or palm (so of the paw of an animal, of the sole, and even of the bowl of a dish or sling, the handle of a bolt, the leaves of a palm-
עֲשָׂרָ֥ה
of ten
H6235
עֲשָׂרָ֥ה
of ten
Strong's:
H6235
Word #:
3 of 6
ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)
זָהָ֖ב
golden
H2091
זָהָ֖ב
golden
Strong's:
H2091
Word #:
4 of 6
gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky
Historical Context
The incense offering was performed twice daily—morning and evening—creating a rhythm of prayer throughout the day. The priest's role in offering incense symbolized mediation between God and people. When the people saw incense smoke rising, they prayed, connecting their hearts with the ascending prayer.
Questions for Reflection
- What does a 'full' prayer life look like in contemporary Christian practice?
- How does viewing prayer as precious rather than dutiful transform our approach to it?
- In what ways does Christ's continual intercession for us motivate our own prayer lives?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The golden spoon full of incense represents the fullness and richness of prayer that should characterize God's people. Not a pinch, but full—wholehearted, abundant prayer. The gold vessel reminds us that prayer is precious to God, not a burden or obligation but a privilege. The Reformed tradition's emphasis on regular prayer finds support here—prayer should be continuous, full, and valued, not sporadic and perfunctory.