And the smoke of the incense
For the incense being put, as it was used to be, upon burning
coals of fire, caused a smoke to arise like a cloud, ( Leviticus
16:13 ) ( Ezekiel 8:11
) ; so that the whole house, or temple, was filled with it
F4:
[which came] with the prayers of the saints, ascended
before God out
of the angel's hand;
alluding to the incense the priest took in his hand, and cast
upon the burning coals; and shows how that by the smoke of the
incense, or the virtue of Christ's mediation, the imperfections
of the prayers of the saints are covered; and how they are it
perfumed and made acceptable to God; and so are said to ascend up
before him, and to be regarded by him, as the prayers of
Cornelius were, ( Acts 10:4 ) ; now all
this is expressive of the wonderful affection of Christ for his
church and people, and care of them; that before the angels sound
their trumpets, and bring on wars and desolations into the
empire, Christ is represented as interceding for them, and
presenting their prayers both for deliverance for themselves, and
vengeance on their enemies.