The "burning of incense" was a part of worship common to all nations of antiquity, including the Hebrews, the Egyptians, and the Hindus. Among the Hebrews this was a symbol of prayer, of holy devotions, of purity of affections in divine worship. It has in Masonry similar significations; hence the pot of incense has been adopted as a symbol in the Third Degree, and the "burning of incense" is practiced in some of the high degrees. — ( Exodus 30:1,7 - Psalms 141:2 )
Biblical Reference
Exodus 30:1,7
1 And thou shalt make an altar to burn incense upon: of shittim wood shalt thou make it. 7 And Aaron shall burn thereon sweet incense every morning: when he dresseth the lamps, he shall burn incense upon it.
Psalms 141:2
Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.
~~ooOoo~~
This page is adapted from the Glossary at Phoenixmasonry — Used with permission.