What consequences are mentioned in Leviticus 23:29 for not observing this command? The Command in View On the Day of Atonement Israel was commanded to “humble” or “afflict” themselves (fasting, repentance, ceasing ordinary work) before the LORD (Leviticus 23:27-28). Stated Consequence in Leviticus 23:29 “Anyone who does not humble himself on that day must be cut off from his people.” Meaning of “Cut Off from His People” • Exclusion from the covenant community—loss of membership in Israel’s worshipping life • Loss of access to the sanctuary, sacrifices, and priestly mediation • Often understood to include premature death at God’s hand if human courts did not intervene (cf. Exodus 31:14) Scriptural Echoes of the Same Penalty • Exodus 12:15—failure to remove leaven during Passover • Leviticus 7:20-21—eating sacrifices while unclean • Leviticus 17:10—eating blood • Numbers 15:30—high-handed sin Why Such a Severe Penalty? • The Day of Atonement pointed to God’s one appointed means of national cleansing (Leviticus 16). Rejecting it meant rejecting atonement itself. • Refusal to humble oneself signaled open rebellion against God’s holiness (Isaiah 57:15). • The penalty protected the purity of the whole assembly (1 Corinthians 5:6-7, principle reflected in the New Testament). |
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