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. It is observed on the tenth day of the seventh month, Tishri, according to the Hebrew calendar. This sacred day is detailed in the Old Testament, primarily in Leviticus 16 and Leviticus 23, and it holds profound theological and spiritual significance.Biblical Foundation The Day of Atonement is instituted by God as a day of national and individual repentance, purification, and reconciliation. Leviticus 16 provides the most comprehensive account of the rituals associated with this day. The high priest, representing the people, would enter the Holy of Holies in the Tabernacle (and later the Temple) to make atonement for himself and the entire nation of Israel. This was the only day of the year when the high priest could enter the innermost sanctuary, signifying the gravity and sanctity of the occasion. The rituals included the offering of a bull for the high priest's own sins and two goats for the sins of the people. One goat was sacrificed, and its blood was sprinkled on the mercy seat and before the mercy seat, symbolizing the cleansing of the people from their sins. The other goat, known as the scapegoat, was sent into the wilderness, symbolically carrying away the sins of the people. Leviticus 16:30 states, "For on this day atonement will be made for you to cleanse you, and you will be clean from all your sins before the LORD." Observance and Significance Leviticus 23:27-28 commands, "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 shall not do any work, for it is a Day of Atonement, when atonement is made for you before the LORD your God." The people of Israel were to afflict their souls, which traditionally has been understood as fasting and engaging in deep self-examination and repentance. The Day of Atonement is a time of solemn reflection, where individuals and the community as a whole seek reconciliation with God. It underscores the holiness of God and the seriousness of sin, while also highlighting God's provision for forgiveness and restoration. Theological Implications From a theological perspective, the Day of Atonement foreshadows the ultimate atonement made by Jesus Christ. The New Testament book of Hebrews draws a parallel between the high priest's annual entry into the Holy of Holies and Christ's once-for-all sacrifice. Hebrews 9:12 states, "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 serves as a powerful reminder of the need for atonement and the provision of a mediator between God and humanity. It points to the fulfillment of the sacrificial system in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who provides the ultimate cleansing from sin. Contemporary Observance In contemporary Jewish practice, Yom Kippur remains the holiest day of the year, marked by fasting, prayer, and synagogue services. For Christians, while the specific rituals of the Day of Atonement are not observed, the themes of repentance, forgiveness, and reconciliation with God continue to resonate deeply. The day serves as a profound reminder of the need for personal and communal repentance and the assurance of forgiveness through Christ's atoning sacrifice. Torrey's Topical Textbook Leviticus 23:26,27And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Day of Atonement Instructed in the Law of God The Sacred Officers and Sacred Occasions. Arguments of the Psychics, Drawn from the Law, the Gospel, the ... Prophecies Fulfilled. Prophecies Fulfilled Give us Today Our Needful Bread Festal Letters. Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount The Book of Jubilees Resources What are the main arguments against limited atonement? | GotQuestions.orgLimited atonement-is it biblical? | GotQuestions.org Is the atonement of Christ unlimited? | 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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