Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Revelation 8:3

"And another angel came and stood over the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should add it unto the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne." — Revelation 8:3 (ASV)

While the seven seals were opened by the Lamb himself, the judgments of the seven trumpets and the seven bowls (15:1) are executed by seven angels. Before the trumpet judgments are executed, another angel enacts a symbolic scene in heaven. He takes a golden censer filled with incense and offers the incense on the altar in behalf of the prayers of all God’s people. Earlier, John mentioned the altar that was near God’s presence (6:9). A strong assurance is here given to the suffering followers of Christ that their prayers for vindication are not forgotten because God will speedily vindicate them from their enemies’ assaults. So close is the altar to God that the incense cloud of the saints’ prayers rises into his presence and cannot escape his notice (cf. Psalms 141:2).