1. Revelation 8:4 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

What is the effect of the angel’s actions at the altar?

Revelation 8:4 (ESV)

4 and the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel.

A cloud of sweet‑smelling smoke arose before God together with the saints’ prayers. As the aroma of the incense from the incense altar in the Old Testament tabernacle penetrated behind the curtain into the Most Holy Place where God dwelt, so here the prayers of the saints accompanied by the angel’s incense came to God’s heavenly throne.