What is the meaning of Leviticus 16:31? It is a Sabbath of complete rest for you “‘It is a Sabbath of complete rest for you…’” (Leviticus 16:31) • The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) is declared a true Sabbath, a day when every form of regular work ceases (cf. Leviticus 16:29; 23:28). • Like the weekly Sabbath of Exodus 20:8-11, it calls God’s people to imitate His rest after creation (Genesis 2:2-3). • Resting underscores that atonement is God’s work, not ours (Hebrews 4:9-10). • By stopping ordinary activities, Israel was to turn undivided attention to the holy rituals of the day (Leviticus 16:17, 34). that you may humble yourselves “…that you may humble yourselves…” (Leviticus 16:31) • “Humble yourselves” (elsewhere “afflict your souls,” e.g., Leviticus 23:27) includes fasting, mourning for sin, and heartfelt repentance (Psalm 35:13; Isaiah 58:3-7). • Humility recognizes personal guilt and the need for the blood of the substitute goat (Leviticus 16:15-16) and the scapegoat that carries sins away (16:21-22). • Such self-denial teaches dependence on God’s mercy, echoing Ezra 8:21 and anticipating the call of James 4:8-10 to grieve over sin and be lifted up by the Lord. it is a permanent statute “…it is a permanent statute.” (Leviticus 16:31) • “Permanent” (also “lasting” or “forever”) means the ordinance stands for every generation of Israel (Leviticus 23:31; Exodus 12:14). • While the sacrificial system found its once-for-all fulfillment in Christ (Hebrews 9:11-12, 26-28), the moral call to rest in God’s provision and to humble ourselves remains (Matthew 5:17; 1 Peter 5:6). • The continuity of the statute points to God’s unchanging holiness and the abiding need for atonement. summary Leviticus 16:31 teaches that the Day of Atonement is • a God-ordained Sabbath, mandating complete rest so nothing distracts from His atoning work, • an occasion for sincere self-humbling, fasting, and repentance, and • a permanent directive that reveals the timeless character of God’s redemptive plan. By resting from our works and humbling ourselves, we honor the everlasting provision He has made for sin. |
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