The Day of Atonement: Finding Cleansing Through Christ’s Sacrifice

✨ Executive Summary

Leviticus 16, the chapter describing Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement, details the elaborate rituals performed by the High Priest to cleanse the Tabernacle, the priesthood, and the people of Israel from their sins. This pivotal day, occurring annually, foreshadowed the ultimate and perfect sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ on the Cross. The intricate procedures, including the offering of a bull and a goat, the sprinkling of blood on the Mercy Seat, and the scapegoat sent into the wilderness, all pointed to Christ’s role as our High Priest and the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Understanding Leviticus 16 enhances our appreciation for the depth of God’s holiness, the seriousness of sin, and the immeasurable grace offered through the blood of Jesus, which truly atones for our sins and reconciles us to God. Exploring these ancient practices reveals profound spiritual truths still relevant for believers today, illustrating how we can find cleansing and forgiveness through faith in Christ and live a life pleasing to God.

Leviticus 16 unveils the profound significance of Yom Kippur, or the Day of Atonement, a day of national cleansing for Israel. This chapter is not merely a historical record; it is a vibrant prophecy, a type and shadow of the ultimate atonement fulfilled by our Lord Jesus Christ. Let us delve into its verses, unlocking the spiritual treasures they contain, and discovering how the ancient rituals speak powerfully to our lives today.

📜 Commentary Sections

Leviticus 16:1-2 – The Sacred Space and Divine Presence

KJV: And the LORD spake unto Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron, when they offered before the LORD, and died; And the LORD said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the vail before the mercy seat, which is upon the ark; that he die not: for I will appear in the cloud upon the mercy seat.

NKJV: Now the Lord spoke to Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron, when they offered profane fire before the Lord, and died; and the Lord said to Moses: “Tell Aaron your brother not to come at just any time into the Holy Place inside the veil, before the mercy seat which is on the ark, lest he die; for I will appear in the cloud above the mercy seat.”

The chapter opens with a somber reminder of God’s holiness and the consequences of approaching Him improperly. The death of Nadab and Abihu serves as a stark warning. The Holy Place, shielded by the veil, was not to be entered lightly. The “Mercy Seat,” or *hilasterion* (ἱλαστήριον) in the Greek Septuagint, points directly to Christ. As St. Paul writes in Romans 3:25, Christ is our *hilasterion*, the propitiation for our sins. The cloud represents God’s presence, a presence that demands reverence and purity.

Spiritual Application: We must approach God with reverence and humility, recognizing His holiness and our unworthiness. We are able to draw near only through the atoning work of Christ, our High Priest. Consider using web hosting solutions to share resources like this with others.

Leviticus 16:3-5 – Preparing for Atonement

KJV: Thus shall Aaron come into the holy place: with a young bullock for a sin offering, and a ram for a burnt offering. He shall put on the holy linen coat, and he shall have the linen breeches upon his flesh, and shall be girded with a linen girdle, and with the linen mitre shall he be attired: these are holy garments; therefore shall he wash his flesh in water, and so put them on. And he shall take of the congregation of the children of Israel two kids of the goats for a sin offering, and one ram for a burnt offering.

NKJV: Thus Aaron shall come into the Holy Place: with a young bull as a sin offering, and a ram as a burnt offering. He shall put the holy linen tunic and the linen trousers on his body; he shall be girded with a linen sash, and with the linen turban he shall be attired. These are holy garments; therefore he shall wash his body in water, and put them on. And he shall take from the congregation of the children of Israel two kids of the goats as a sin offering, and one ram as a burnt offering.

Aaron’s preparation is meticulous. He must offer a bull for his own sins and a ram for a burnt offering. The linen garments symbolize purity and humility. This is not about Aaron’s personal worthiness but about his role as a representative. The two goats represent the dual aspect of atonement: expiation and removal. The washing signifies purification and cleansing. St. Cyril of Alexandria writes, “οὐ γὰρ ἦν αὐτὸς ὁ Ἀαρὼν ἀναμάρτητος, ἀλλ’ ἔδει αὐτὸν καὶ ὑπὲρ ἑαυτοῦ θυσίαν προσφέρειν.” (ou gar ēn autos ho Aarōn anamartētos, all’ edei auton kai hyper heautou thysian prospherein.) “For Aaron himself was not without sin, but he needed to offer sacrifice for himself” (Commentary on Leviticus).

Spiritual Application: We must examine our own lives, confess our sins, and seek cleansing through Christ’s sacrifice before we can effectively minister to others. Humility and purity are essential for those who serve in God’s name.

Leviticus 16:6-10 – The Casting of Lots and the Two Goats

KJV: And Aaron shall offer his bullock of the sin offering, which is for himself, and make an atonement for himself, and for his house. And he shall take the two goats, and present them before the LORD at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for the LORD, and the other lot for the scapegoat. And Aaron shall bring the goat upon which the LORD’S lot fell, and offer him for a sin offering. But the goat, on which the lot fell to be the scapegoat, shall be presented alive before the LORD, to make an atonement with him, and to let him go for a scapegoat into the wilderness.

NKJV: Aaron shall offer the bull as a sin offering, which is for himself, and make atonement for himself and for his house. He shall take the two goats and present them before the Lord at the door of the tabernacle of meeting. Then Aaron shall cast lots for the two goats: one lot for the Lord and the other lot for the scapegoat. And Aaron shall bring the goat on which the Lord’s lot fell, and offer it as a sin offering. But the goat on which the lot fell to be the scapegoat shall be presented alive before the Lord, to make atonement upon it, and to let it go into the wilderness to the scapegoat.

The casting of lots highlights God’s sovereign choice. One goat is sacrificed as a sin offering, its blood sprinkled to atone for the sins of the people. The other goat, the scapegoat, symbolizes the removal of sin. It is presented alive, and Aaron lays his hands on its head, confessing all the sins of Israel. Then, it is led into the wilderness, carrying away the iniquities of the people. This points to Christ, who not only bore the penalty for our sins but also removed them from us “as far as the east is from the west” (Psalm 103:12). The wilderness also represents the spiritual barrenness of separation from God.

Spiritual Application: We must recognize that forgiveness involves both the payment of the penalty for sin and the removal of sin’s burden. Christ accomplished both on the Cross. We need to actively release our burdens and trust in Christ’s power to remove them. Finding release in the wilderness mirrors finding solace in spiritual solitude with God.

Leviticus 16:11-19 – The Sprinkling of the Blood

KJV: And Aaron shall bring the bullock of the sin offering, which is for himself, and shall make an atonement for himself, and for his house, and shall kill the bullock of the sin offering which is for himself: And he shall take a censer full of burning coals of fire from off the altar before the LORD, and his hands full of sweet incense beaten small, and bring it within the vail: And he shall put the incense upon the fire before the LORD, that the cloud of the incense may cover the mercy seat that is upon the testimony, that he die not: And he shall take of the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it with his finger upon the mercy seat eastward; and before the mercy seat shall he sprinkle of the blood with his finger seven times. Then shall he kill the goat of the sin offering, that is for the people, and bring his blood within the vail, and do with that blood as he did with the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it upon the mercy seat, and before the mercy seat: And he shall make an atonement for the holy place, because of the uncleanness of the children of Israel, and because of their transgressions in all their sins: and so shall he do for the tabernacle of the congregation, that remaineth among them in the midst of their uncleanness. And there shall be no man in the tabernacle of the congregation when he goeth 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. And he shall go out unto the altar that is before the LORD, and make an atonement for it; and shall take of the blood of the bullock, and of the blood of the goat, and put it upon the horns of the altar round about. And he shall sprinkle of the blood upon it with his finger seven times, and cleanse it, and hallow it from the uncleanness of the children of Israel.

NKJV: Then Aaron shall bring the bull of the sin offering, which is for himself, and make atonement for himself and for his house, and shall kill the bull as the sin offering which is for himself. He shall take a censer full of burning coals of fire from the altar before the Lord, and his hands full of sweet incense beaten fine, and bring it inside the veil. And he shall put the incense on the fire before the Lord, that the cloud of incense may cover the mercy seat which is on the Testimony, lest he die. He shall take some of the blood of the bull and sprinkle it with his finger on the mercy seat on the east side; and before the mercy seat he shall sprinkle some of the blood with his finger seven times. Then he shall kill the goat of the sin offering, which is for the people, bring its blood inside the veil, do with that blood as he did with the blood of the bull, and sprinkle it on the mercy seat and before the mercy seat. So he shall make atonement for the Holy Place, because of the uncleanness of the children of Israel, and because of their transgressions, for all their sins; and so he shall do for the tabernacle of meeting, which remains among them in the midst of their uncleanness. There shall be no man in the tabernacle of meeting from when he goes in to make atonement in the Holy Place until he comes out, having made atonement for himself, for his household, and for all the assembly of Israel. And he shall go out to the altar that is before the Lord and make atonement for it. He shall take some of the blood of the bull and some of the blood of the goat, and put it on the horns of the altar all around. Then he shall sprinkle some of the blood on it with his finger seven times and cleanse it, and consecrate it from the uncleanness of the children of Israel.

The sprinkling of blood is the heart of the atonement ritual. The blood, representing life given, is applied to the Mercy Seat, the place where God’s justice and mercy meet. The incense creates a cloud, protecting Aaron from the full glory of God’s presence. The “seven times” sprinkling signifies completeness and perfection. The altar is also cleansed, symbolizing the cleansing of the place of worship itself. The silence within the Tabernacle emphasizes the solemnity of the moment and the exclusive role of the High Priest as mediator. This vividly foreshadows Hebrews 9:11-12, where Christ enters the Most Holy Place with His own blood, obtaining eternal redemption for us.

Spiritual Application: We are cleansed and forgiven by the blood of Jesus, which was shed for us on the Cross. We must trust in His sacrifice as the only way to reconciliation with God. We must also recognize the importance of a clean and holy worship environment, reflecting the purity of God’s presence. Reflect on the sacrifice involved and how that impacts your view on ethical business decisions.

Leviticus 16:20-22 – The Scapegoat Sent Away

KJV: And when he hath made an end of reconciling the holy place, and the tabernacle of the congregation, and the altar, he shall bring the live goat: And Aaron shall lay both his hands upon the head of the live goat, and confess over him all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions in all their sins, putting them upon the head of the goat, and shall send him away by the hand of a fit man into the wilderness: And the goat shall bear upon him all their iniquities unto a land not inhabited: and he shall let go the goat in the wilderness.

NKJV: And when he has made an end of atoning for the Holy Place, the tabernacle of meeting, and the altar, he shall bring the live goat. Aaron shall lay both his hands on the head of the live goat, confess over it all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions, concerning all their sins, putting them on the head of the goat, and shall send it away into the wilderness by the hand of a suitable man. The goat shall bear on itself all their iniquities to an uninhabited land; and he shall release the goat in the wilderness.

The act of laying hands on the scapegoat and confessing the sins of the people is a powerful symbol of transferring guilt. The goat, now burdened with the sins of Israel, is sent into the wilderness, a place of desolation and separation. This symbolizes the complete removal of sin from the community. The “fit man” who leads the goat into the wilderness represents an agent of God’s judgment. Isaiah 53:6 says, “The Lord has laid on Him [Jesus] the iniquity of us all.”

Spiritual Application: Christ not only paid the penalty for our sins but also bore our guilt, removing it from us. We can experience true freedom and release from the burden of sin through faith in Him. Consider the weight you carry. Are there burdens Christ can help carry?

Leviticus 16:23-28 – Cleansing and Purification After the Ritual

KJV: And Aaron shall come into the tabernacle of the congregation, and shall put off the linen garments, which he put on when he went into the holy place, and shall leave them there: And he shall wash his flesh with water in the holy place, and put on his garments, and come forth, and offer his burnt offering, and the burnt offering of the people, and make an atonement for himself, and for the people. And the fat of the sin offering shall he burn upon the altar. And he that let go the goat for the scapegoat shall wash his clothes, and bathe his flesh in water, and afterward come into the camp. And the bullock for the sin offering, and the goat for the sin offering, whose blood was brought in to make atonement in the holy place, shall one carry forth without the camp; and they shall burn in the fire their skins, and their flesh, and their dung. And he that burneth them shall wash his clothes, and bathe his flesh in water, and afterward he shall come into the camp.

NKJV: Then Aaron shall come into the tabernacle of meeting, shall take off the linen garments which he put on when he went into the Holy Place, and shall leave them there. And he shall wash his body with water in a holy place, put on his garments, come out and offer his burnt offering and the burnt offering of the people, and make atonement for himself and for the people. The fat of the sin offering he shall burn on the altar. And he who released the goat as the scapegoat shall wash his clothes and bathe his body in water, and afterward he may come into the camp. The bull and the goat for the sin offering, whose blood was brought in to make atonement in the Holy Place, shall be carried outside the camp. And they shall burn in the fire their skins, their flesh, and their refuse. Then he who burns them shall wash his clothes and bathe his body in water, and afterward he may come into the camp.

After the atonement ritual, Aaron must remove the linen garments and wash himself, signifying the need for continued purification. He then puts on his regular garments and offers burnt offerings, demonstrating his continued devotion to God. The disposal of the carcasses outside the camp symbolizes the complete separation of sin from the community. All who participated in the handling of the sin offerings are considered ceremonially unclean and must undergo purification.

Spiritual Application: We must continually cleanse ourselves from sin through confession and repentance. We must also be mindful of the influence of sin and avoid being contaminated by it. We must strive for holiness in all aspects of our lives, recognizing that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit.

Leviticus 16:29-34 – A Statute Forever

KJV: And this shall be a statute for ever unto you: that in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, ye shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all, whether it be one of your own country, or a stranger that sojourneth among you: For on that day shall the priest make an atonement for you, to cleanse you, that ye may be clean from all your sins before the LORD. It shall be a sabbath of rest unto you, and ye shall afflict your souls, by a statute for ever. And the priest, whom he shall anoint, and whom he shall consecrate to minister in the priest’s office in his father’s stead, shall make the atonement, and shall put on the linen clothes, even the holy garments: And he shall make an atonement for the holy sanctuary, and he shall make an atonement for the tabernacle of the congregation, and for the altar; and he shall make an atonement for the priests, and for all the people of the congregation. And this shall be an everlasting statute unto you, to make an atonement for the children of Israel for all their sins once a year. And he did as the LORD commanded Moses.

NKJV: This shall be a statute forever for you: In the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, you shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all, whether a native of your own country or a stranger who dwells among you. For on that day the priest shall make atonement for you, to cleanse you, that you may be clean from all your sins before the Lord. It is a sabbath of solemn rest for you, and you shall afflict your souls. It is a statute forever. And the priest, who is anointed and consecrated to minister as priest in his father’s place, shall make atonement, and put on the linen garments, the holy garments; then he shall make atonement for the Most Holy Place, for the tabernacle of meeting, for the altar, and for the priests and for all the people of the assembly. This shall be an everlasting statute for you, to make atonement for the children of Israel, for all their sins, once a year. And he did as the Lord commanded Moses.

The chapter concludes with the declaration that the Day of Atonement is an “everlasting statute,” a day of solemn rest and self-affliction. It is a time for introspection, repentance, and seeking forgiveness. The priest, properly appointed and clothed, is to perform the atonement ritual for the entire nation. This emphasizes the importance of the priesthood and the need for proper representation before God. While the Levitical sacrifices were a shadow, they pointed to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, which provides true and lasting atonement.

Spiritual Application: We must remember that true repentance involves a change of heart and a turning away from sin. While we are no longer bound by the Levitical laws, we can still learn from the principles they embody. We should regularly examine our lives, confess our sins, and seek cleansing through Christ’s sacrifice. Make atonement for yourself by reviewing your own thoughts, actions, and behaviors.

💡 Key Reflections on Yom Kippur

Here are some key reflections on the significance of Yom Kippur, drawing from Coptic Orthodox theological perspectives:

• The Holiness of God: Yom Kippur underscores the absolute holiness of God and the gravity of sin. God cannot tolerate sin in His presence, and atonement is necessary for reconciliation.
• The Importance of Sacrifice: The sacrifices offered on Yom Kippur foreshadow the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.
• The Role of the Priest: The High Priest serves as a mediator between God and humanity, a role perfectly fulfilled by Jesus Christ, our eternal High Priest.
• The Removal of Sin: The scapegoat symbolizes the complete removal of sin from the community, a picture of the forgiveness and cleansing we receive through Christ.
• Repentance and Humility: Yom Kippur calls for deep repentance, humility, and self-examination, reminding us of our need for God’s grace and mercy.
• A Shadow of Things to Come: The rituals of Yom Kippur were a shadow of the reality to come in Christ, pointing to the fulfillment of God’s plan of salvation.

❓ FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Leviticus 16 and the Day of Atonement:

• Q: Why was the Day of Atonement so important?

  A: The Day of Atonement was the most important day of the year for the Israelites. It was the one day when the High Priest could enter the Holy of Holies and make atonement for the sins of the entire nation, restoring their relationship with God.

• Q: What is the significance of the scapegoat?

  A: The scapegoat symbolized the removal of sin from the community. By laying hands on the goat and confessing the sins of the people, the High Priest symbolically transferred their sins to the goat, which was then sent into the wilderness, signifying the complete removal of their iniquities.

• Q: How does Leviticus 16 relate to Christianity?

  A: Leviticus 16 is a powerful foreshadowing of the atoning work of Jesus Christ. The sacrifices, the sprinkling of blood, and the removal of sin all point to Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross, which provides true and lasting atonement for all who believe.

• Q: Is the Day of Atonement still relevant today?

  A: While we are no longer required to observe the Levitical rituals, the principles of repentance, humility, and seeking forgiveness remain essential for our spiritual lives. Leviticus 16 reminds us of the seriousness of sin and the need for atonement, which is now fully provided through Jesus Christ.

🕊️ Conclusion

Leviticus 16, the Day of Atonement, is a chapter rich in symbolism and prophetic significance. It paints a vivid picture of God’s holiness, the seriousness of sin, and the need for atonement. While the rituals described in Leviticus 16 were a shadow of things to come, they point powerfully to the ultimate and perfect sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is our High Priest, who entered the Most Holy Place with His own blood, obtaining eternal redemption for us. Through faith in Him, we can experience true forgiveness, cleansing, and reconciliation with God. Let us approach Him with reverence and humility, trusting in His atoning work and striving to live a life pleasing to Him, reflecting His holiness and grace in all we do.

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Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur, Leviticus 16, Atonement, Sacrifice, High Priest, Blood, Cleansing, Forgiveness, Repentance

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Explore Leviticus 16: The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) commentary from a Coptic Orthodox perspective. Discover the profound meaning of sacrifice, atonement, and forgiveness through Christ.