Topical Encyclopedia The Day of Atonement, known in Hebrew as Yom Kippur, is one of the most solemn and significant holy days in the Jewish calendar. It is observed on the tenth day of the seventh month, Tishri, and is detailed in Leviticus 16 and Leviticus 23:26-32. This day is marked by fasting, prayer, and repentance, serving as a time for the Israelites to seek atonement for their sins and to restore their relationship with God.Biblical Foundation The Day of Atonement is instituted by God as a day of national and individual repentance. Leviticus 16 provides a comprehensive description of the rituals and sacrifices that the high priest was to perform to atone for the sins of the people. The chapter outlines the specific duties of Aaron, the high priest, including the offering of a bull for his own sins and the sins of his household, and the selection of two goats—one for the Lord and the other as the scapegoat to be sent into the wilderness. Leviticus 16:29-31 states: "This is to be a permanent statute for you: On the tenth day of the seventh month, you must 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. It is a Sabbath of solemn rest for you, that you may humble yourselves; it is a permanent statute." Rituals and Symbolism The rituals of the Day of Atonement are rich with symbolism. The high priest's entry into the Holy of Holies, the innermost part of the Tabernacle, signifies the mediation between God and His people. The blood of the sacrificial animals is sprinkled on the mercy seat, symbolizing the covering of sins. The scapegoat, or Azazel, represents the removal of sin from the community, as it is sent away into the wilderness, bearing the iniquities of the people. The requirement for the people to "humble themselves" is interpreted as a call to fasting and self-denial. This act of humility is a physical manifestation of repentance and a recognition of human sinfulness before a holy God. Theological Significance The Day of Atonement underscores the gravity of sin and the necessity of atonement for reconciliation with God. It highlights the holiness of God and the need for a mediator to intercede on behalf of the people. The high priest's role foreshadows the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ, who, according to the New Testament, offers Himself as the perfect and final sacrifice for sin. Hebrews 9:11-12 reflects on this fulfillment: "But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that have come, He went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made by hands, that is, not of this creation. He did not enter by the blood of goats and calves, but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption." Contemporary Observance In contemporary Jewish practice, Yom Kippur remains a day of fasting, prayer, and synagogue services. It is a time for introspection, seeking forgiveness from God and others, and making amends. While the sacrificial system is no longer in place, the themes of repentance and atonement continue to resonate deeply within the Jewish faith. For Christians, the Day of Atonement serves as a reminder of the sacrificial work of Christ and the call to live a life of repentance and faith. It is a day that points to the ultimate atonement made by Jesus, who reconciles believers to God and offers the promise of eternal life. Torrey's Topical Textbook Leviticus 16:29,31And this shall be a statute for ever to you: that in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, you shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all, whether it be one of your own country, or a stranger that sojournes among you: Torrey's Topical Textbook Leviticus 23:27 Library The Fourth Day in Passion-Week - Jesus in his Last Sabbatic Rest ... Instructed in the Law of God What is the Sanctuary? What is the Sanctuary? The Investigative Judgment. Facing Life's Record Confession and Penance. On the Atonement. Prophecies Fulfilled. The Call of Matthew - the Saviour's Welcome to Sinners - Rabbinic ... Resources What is the recapitulation theory of the atonement? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the substitutionary atonement? | GotQuestions.org What is the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)? | GotQuestions.org Atonement: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Atonement for Tabernacle and Furniture Atonement for Those Defiled by the Dead Atonement in Consummation of the Levites Atonement: Day of How Observed Atonement: Made by Animal Sacrifices Atonement: Made by Jesus with Context Atonement: Made by Jesus: A Mystery Atonement: Made by Jesus: Divinely Ordained Atonement: Made by Jesus: Made But Once Atonement: Made by Jesus: Redemption By Atonement: Made by Jesus: Typified Atonement: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To The Atonement: Acceptable to God The Atonement: Access to God By The Atonement: Commemorated in the Lord's Supper The Atonement: Effected by Christ Alone The Atonement: Exhibits The: Grace and Mercy of God The Atonement: Exhibits The: Love of Christ The Atonement: Exhibits The: Love of God The Atonement: Faith In, Indispensable The Atonement: Has Delivered Saints from The: Power of Sin The Atonement: Has Delivered Saints from The: Power of the Devil The Atonement: Has Delivered Saints from The: Power of the World The Atonement: Justification By The Atonement: Ministers should Fully Set Forth The Atonement: Reconciles the Justice and Mercy of God The Atonement: Reconciliation to God Effected By The Atonement: Remission of Sins By The Atonement: Saints Glorify God For The Atonement: Saints Praise God For The Atonement: Saints Rejoice in God For The Atonement: Sanctification By the Day of Atonement: A Day of Humiliation the Day of Atonement: Atonement Made On for the High Priest the Day of Atonement: Atonement Made On for the Holy Place the Day of Atonement: Atonement Made On for the Whole Congregation the Day of Atonement: Observed As a Sabbath the Day of Atonement: Offerings to be Made On the Day of Atonement: Punishment for not Observing the Day of Atonement: Tenth Day of Seventh Month the Day of Atonement: The High Priest Entered Into the Holy Place On the Day of Atonement: The Sins of the People Borne off by the Scapegoat On the Day of Atonement: Year of Jubilee Commenced On Under the Law Atonement by Priests Alone Under the Law Atonement: Extraordinary Cases of Under the Law Atonement: Made by Sacrifice Under the Law Atonement: Necessary For: Propitiating God Under the Law Atonement: Necessary For: Purifying Under the Law Atonement: Necessary For: Ransoming Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: Persons Sinning Ignorantly Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: Persons Sinning Wilfully Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: Persons Swearing Rashly Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: Persons Unclean Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: Persons Withholding Evidence Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: The Altar Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: The Congregation Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: The Healed Leper Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: The Holy Place Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: The Leprous House Healed Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: The Priests Under the Law Atonement: Offered For: Women After Childbirth Under the Law Atonement: Typical of Christ's Atonement Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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