1
以色列啊，你要归向耶和华─你的神；你是因自己的罪孽跌倒了。
2
当归向耶和华，用言语祷告他说：求你除净罪孽，悦纳善行；这样，我们就把嘴唇的祭代替牛犊献上。
3
我们不向亚述求救，不骑埃及的马，也不再对我们手所造的说：你是我们的神。因为孤儿在你─耶和华那里得蒙怜悯。
4
我必医治他们背道的病，甘心爱他们；因为我的怒气向他们转消。
5
我必向以色列如甘露；他必如百合花开放，如利巴嫩的树木扎根。
6
他的枝条必延长；他的荣华如橄榄树；他的香气如利巴嫩的香柏树。
7
曾住在他荫下的必归回，发旺如五谷，开花如葡萄树。他的香气如利巴嫩的酒。
8
以法莲必说：我与偶像还有甚麽关涉呢？我─耶和华回答他，也必顾念他。我如青翠的松树；你的果子从我而得。
9
谁是智慧人，可以明白这些事；谁是通达人，可以知道这一切。因为，耶和华的道是正直的；义人必在其中行走，罪人却在其上跌倒。
278. Which are the prayers of the saints. This symbolizes thoughts that are matters of faith springing from affections that are matters of charity in people who worship the Lord in accord with spiritual goods and truths.
Prayers mean matters having to do with faith in people who pour forth prayers, and at the same time matters having do to with charity, since without these, prayers are not prayers but empty sounds.
That saints symbolize people who are impelled by spiritual goods and truths may be seen in no. 173 above.
Burnings of incense are called the prayers of the saints because fragrant aromas correspond to affections for goodness and truth. That is why reference is made so often in the Word to a pleasing aroma or a restful aroma to Jehovah, as in Exodus 29:18, 25, 41, Leviticus 1:9, 13, 17; 2:2, 9, 12; 3:5; 4:31; 6:15, 21; 8:28; 23:13, 18; 26:31, Numbers 28:6, 8, 13; 15:3; 29:2, 6, 8, 13, 36, Ezekiel 20:41, Hosea 14:7.
Prayers called incense have the same symbolic meaning in the following verses in the book of Revelation:
(An angel, standing at the altar,) having a golden censer..., was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar... And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel's hand. (Revelation 8:3-4)
And in the book of Psalms:
Give ear to my voice... My prayers are accepted as incense before You... (Psalms 141:1-2)
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