Psalms 141:2
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Psalms 141:2
2 Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.
Chapter Context
Psalms 141 is a poetic and liturgical chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of prayer, holiness, creation. Written during various periods (c. 1000-400 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Temple worship utilized these compositions across various periods of Israel's history.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-10: Development of key themes
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Psalms and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Psalms 141:2
2 Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.
Analysis
"Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice." The metaphor: tikon tefillati ketoret lefanekha (may be established my prayer as incense before You). Kun (be established/set forth) suggests placement; tefillah (prayer); ketoret (incense) was burned on the golden altar twice daily (Exodus 30:7-8, 34-38). Incense symbolized prayers ascending to God (Revelation 5:8, 8:3-4). Mas'at kapai minchat arev (the lifting of my hands, the evening offering). Nasa (lift up); kaph (palm of hand); minchah (grain offering/gift offering); erev (evening). Lifted hands expressed supplication, praise, surrender. The verse connects prayer with worship—prayer as spiritual sacrifice replacing physical offerings. Hebrews 13:15 similarly speaks of offering "the sacrifice of praise...the fruit of our lips."
Historical Context
The tabernacle/temple liturgy included twice-daily incense offerings (morning and evening) on the golden altar in the Holy Place (Exodus 30:7-8). The incense's fragrant smoke symbolized prayers ascending to God's throne. Only priests could offer incense, entering the Holy Place for this sacred duty. When Zacharias entered to burn incense, the angel Gabriel appeared announcing John's birth (Luke 1:8-22). Jesus's crucifixion occurred at the hour of evening sacrifice (3 PM). The tearing of the temple veil (Matthew 27:51) symbolized direct access to God through Christ's sacrifice. Believers became priests offering spiritual sacrifices (1 Peter 2:5, 9), with prayers as incense before God's throne.
Reflection
- How does viewing prayer as "incense" (sweet-smelling sacrifice) transform your prayer life?
- What does it mean that believers now have direct access to offer prayers without earthly priests or altars?
- In what ways should prayer be as regular and intentional as the twice-daily incense offerings?
Cross-References
- Prayer: Psalms 5:3, Proverbs 15:8, Daniel 9:21, Acts 3:1, 1 Timothy 2:8, Revelation 5:8
- Sacrifice: Malachi 1:11
- Parallel theme: Psalms 28:2, 63:4, 134:2