Topical Encyclopedia The Day of Atonement, known in Hebrew as Yom Kippur, is one of the most solemn and significant holy days in the biblical calendar, as outlined in Leviticus 16. 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, including making atonement for the Holy Place itself.Biblical Foundation The instructions for the Day of Atonement are primarily found in Leviticus 16. The chapter details the procedures that the high priest, initially Aaron, must follow to ensure the sanctity of the Tabernacle and later the Temple. The day is described as a "Sabbath of solemn rest" (Leviticus 16:31), emphasizing its importance and the need for the Israelites to afflict their souls, which is traditionally understood as fasting and repentance. Atonement for the Holy Place Central to the Day of Atonement is the purification of the Holy Place, the innermost part of the Tabernacle, where God's presence dwelt. Leviticus 16:16 states, "In this way he will make atonement for the Most Holy Place because of the impurities and rebellious acts of the Israelites, whatever their sins have been." This act of atonement was necessary because the sins of the people defiled the sanctuary, even though they did not physically enter it. The high priest would enter the Holy of Holies only once a year on this day, carrying the blood of a bull and a goat. The blood was sprinkled on the mercy seat and before the mercy seat, symbolizing the cleansing of the sanctuary from the defilement caused by the sins of the people (Leviticus 16:14-15). The Rituals The rituals of the Day of Atonement were intricate and deeply symbolic. The high priest would first make atonement for himself and his household by sacrificing a bull (Leviticus 16:11). Following this, two goats were presented at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting. Lots were cast to determine the fate of each goat: one was sacrificed as a sin offering, and the other, known as the scapegoat, was sent into the wilderness, symbolically carrying away the sins of the people (Leviticus 16:8-10). The blood of the sacrificed goat was used to purify the Holy Place, the Tent of Meeting, and the altar, emphasizing the need for cleansing from the contamination of sin (Leviticus 16:18-19). The scapegoat, or Azazel, was led away into the wilderness, signifying the removal of the people's sins from the community (Leviticus 16:21-22). Significance and Typology The Day of Atonement holds profound theological significance, foreshadowing the ultimate atonement made by Jesus Christ. The high priest's entry into the Holy of Holies prefigures Christ's ascension into heaven, where He serves as our eternal High Priest. Hebrews 9:11-12 reflects this typology: "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." The Day of Atonement underscores the gravity of sin and the necessity of atonement, pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, who cleanses not only the earthly sanctuary but also the hearts of believers, reconciling them to God. Torrey's Topical Textbook Exodus 30:10And Aaron shall make an atonement on the horns of it once in a year with the blood of the sin offering of atonements: once in the year shall he make atonement on it throughout your generations: it is most holy to the LORD. Torrey's Topical Textbook Leviticus 16:15,16 Library The Day of Atonement The Day of Atonement The Fact of the Redeemer's Return was Foreshadowed in the Ritual ... On the Atonement. Ninth Day. Holiness and Mediation. Atonement. What is the Sanctuary? What is the Sanctuary? In the Holy of Holies. In the Holy of Holies Resources What are the various theories on the atonement? | GotQuestions.orgIf Jesus is our atonement, why did He die at Passover instead of the Day of Atonement? | GotQuestions.org What is the concept of the vicarious atonement? | 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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