The Tenth Day of the Seventh Month, known as Yom Kippur or the Day of Atonement, is one of the most significant and solemn holy days in the biblical calendar. It is observed on the tenth day of Tishrei, the seventh month in the Hebrew calendar, and is detailed primarily in the Old Testament, particularly in the books of Leviticus and Numbers.

Biblical Foundation

The Day of Atonement is instituted in Leviticus 16, where God commands Moses regarding the observance of this sacred day. It is a day dedicated to atonement and repentance, where the high priest performs specific rituals to atone for the sins of the people of Israel. Leviticus 16:29-30 states, "This is to be a permanent statute for you: On the tenth day of the seventh month, you shall humble yourselves and not do any work—whether the native or the foreigner who resides among you—because on this day atonement will be made for you to cleanse you, and you will be clean from all your sins before the LORD."

Rituals and Observances

The rituals of the Day of Atonement are meticulously outlined in Leviticus 16. The high priest, initially Aaron, was to enter the Holy of Holies, the innermost part of the Tabernacle, once a year on this day. He would offer sacrifices, including a bull for his own sins and a goat for the sins of the people. The high priest would also cast lots over two goats—one to be sacrificed as a sin offering and the other to be sent into the wilderness as the scapegoat, symbolically carrying away the sins of the people.

The Day of Atonement is characterized by a solemn fast and a complete cessation of work, as commanded in Leviticus 23:27-28 : "The tenth day of this seventh month is the Day of Atonement. You are to hold a sacred assembly and humble yourselves, and present an offering made by fire to the LORD. On this day you are not to do any work, for it is the Day of Atonement, when atonement is made for you before the LORD your God."

Theological Significance

The Day of Atonement holds profound theological significance as it underscores the holiness of God and the need for atonement for sin. It serves as a powerful reminder of the separation between a holy God and sinful humanity, and the necessity of a mediator to bridge that gap. The rituals performed by the high priest foreshadow the ultimate atonement made by Jesus Christ, who, according to the New Testament, serves as the perfect high priest and the ultimate sacrifice for sin (Hebrews 9:11-12).

Contemporary Observance

In contemporary Judaism, Yom Kippur remains the holiest day of the year, marked by fasting, prayer, and synagogue services. While the sacrificial system is no longer practiced, the themes of repentance, forgiveness, and reconciliation with God continue to be central to its observance.

Conclusion

The Tenth Day of the Seventh Month, or the Day of Atonement, is a cornerstone of biblical teaching on sin, atonement, and reconciliation with God. Its observance in ancient Israel and its theological implications resonate deeply within the Christian faith, pointing to the redemptive work of Christ as the fulfillment of the atonement foreshadowed in the Old Testament.