Having a golden censer.—Censers, or fire‐pans, were of two forms, with handles and without. In this case the kind with the handle, used only on the Day of Atonement, is the one referred to. The incense was burnt while the high priest held the censer in his hand. Thus, in this prophecy, the great antitypical High Priest identifies Himself with the work of the Society, and places in its care—holds in His hand—the fire‐pans, the things that lead us to the place where we sacrifice ourselves. Thus seen, the censer represents teachings, understandings of the Word; for it is our understanding of the Word which leads us to offer up all we have in the Lord’s service.—Num. 16:6, 7.
And there was given unto him much incense.—The heart’s best endeavors of the faithful fellow‐members of the Body.
That he should offer it.—To Jehovah, through the Son.—Rev. 5:8.
With the prayers of all saints.—The Society is the only entity in the world answering to this description. It alone has offered on its behalf the prayers of all the saints, in harmony with the clause of the Vow which reads, “Daily will I remember at the Throne of heavenly grace the general interests of the Harvest work—the dear co‐laborers at the Brooklyn Tabernacle and Bethel, and everywhere.”
Upon the golden altar [which was] before the Throne.—The offerings take place “before the Throne,” on this side the veil.—Rev. 1:4; 5:6; Ex. 30:1‐10.
8:4. And the smoke.—The fragrant, sweet perfume.
Of the incense.—Life’s dearest ties, sacrificed in the Master’s cause.
Which came with the prayers of the saints.—In harmony with the Vow of faithfulness.—Psa. 141:2; Luke 1:10; Acts 10:4.
Ascended up before God out of the angel’s hand.—“An odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.”—Phil. 4:18.
8:5. And the angel.—THE WATCH TOWER SOCIETY through its proper representatives.
Took the censer.—The Seventh Volume of STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES, Divinely provided.
And filled it with fire of the altar.—Coals from the altar signify burning truths; and such the Lord’s prophecies always are, when rightly understood.—Isa. 6:5‐8. This is a plain intimation of God’s purpose to use the SOCIETY in further unfoldings of His Truth as it becomes due. “We believe that the Lord will not scatter, but will ‘turn His hand [power] upon the little ones,’ in this dark hour of trial (Zech. 13:7).”—Z. ’17‐30.