Topical Encyclopedia The Day of Atonement, known in Hebrew as Yom Kippur, is one of the most significant and solemn holy days in the Jewish calendar, as outlined in the Old Testament. It is a day dedicated to atonement and repentance, where the entire congregation of Israel seeks reconciliation with God. This sacred observance is detailed primarily in Leviticus 16 and is part of the broader Levitical law given to the Israelites through Moses.Biblical Foundation The Day of Atonement is instituted by God as a day of national cleansing and spiritual renewal. 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 do no 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 Sacrifices The rituals of the Day of Atonement are meticulously prescribed. The high priest plays a central role, entering the Holy of Holies—the innermost part of the Tabernacle, and later the Temple—only on this day each year. The high priest must first make atonement for himself and his household by offering a bull as a sin offering (Leviticus 16:11-14). This act underscores the necessity of purity and holiness before approaching God on behalf of the people. Following this, two goats are presented at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting. Lots are cast to determine the fate of each goat: one is sacrificed as a sin offering for the people, and the other, known as the scapegoat, is sent into the wilderness, symbolically carrying away the sins of the congregation (Leviticus 16:7-10, 20-22). The blood of the sacrificed goat is sprinkled on the atonement cover and in front of it, signifying the purification of the sanctuary from the impurities of the Israelites (Leviticus 16:15-19). Significance and Symbolism The Day of Atonement serves as a profound reminder of the holiness of God and the sinfulness of humanity. It emphasizes the need for a mediator and the shedding of blood for the forgiveness of sins, prefiguring the ultimate atonement made by Jesus Christ. Hebrews 9:11-12 reflects on this, stating, "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." Observance and Impact The Day of Atonement is a day of rest and self-denial, where the Israelites are commanded to "humble themselves" (Leviticus 16:31). This humility is expressed through fasting and prayer, reflecting a deep contrition and earnest seeking of God's mercy. The communal aspect of the day underscores the collective responsibility and unity of the people in seeking God's forgiveness. In contemporary Jewish practice, Yom Kippur remains a day of fasting, prayer, and synagogue services, continuing the tradition of seeking atonement and reconciliation with God. For Christians, the Day of Atonement holds typological significance, pointing to the redemptive work of Christ, who fulfills and transcends the Old Testament sacrificial system. Torrey's Topical Textbook Leviticus 16:17,24And there shall be no man in the tabernacle of the congregation when he goes in to make an atonement in the holy place, until he come out, and have made an atonement for himself, and for his household, and for all the congregation of Israel. Torrey's Topical Textbook Leviticus 23:28 Hebrews 9:7 Library The Day of Atonement The Day of Atonement What is the Sanctuary? What is the Sanctuary? Extent of Atonement. On the Atonement. Instructed in the Law of God The Investigative Judgment. Facing Life's Record Confession and Penance. 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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