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Leviticus 16

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Easy Bible・Leviticus 16

The Day of Atonement

Commentary
Passages

Key Passages

Leviticus 16:30
because on this day atonement will be made for you, to cleanse you. Then, before the LORD, you will be clean from all your sins.

About this Chapter

Leviticus 16 describes the rituals and ceremonies that were to be performed on the Day of Atonement, which was a special day set aside for the cleansing and forgiveness of the sins of the Israelites. The chapter begins with instructions for Aaron, the high priest, on how to enter the Most Holy Place and make atonement for himself and the people. It then goes on to outline the process of selecting two goats, one to be sacrificed as a sin offering and the other to be released into the wilderness as a scapegoat. The blood of the sacrificed goat is sprinkled on the mercy seat in the Most Holy Place to make atonement for the sins of the people. The scapegoat symbolically carries away the sins of the people, bearing the guilt and punishment. This annual ritual was a reminder of the need for repentance and forgiveness, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who would become the perfect and final atonement for the sins of humanity. The Day of Atonement was a solemn and significant day in the Israelite calendar. It was a time for the people to reflect on their sins, seek forgiveness, and renew their covenant with God. The rituals performed on this day emphasized the holiness of God and the need for purification. The selection of the two goats symbolized the dual nature of atonement - the sacrifice of one goat represented the shedding of blood for forgiveness, while the release of the other goat represented the removal of sin and guilt. The Day of Atonement served as a reminder that sin separates us from God and that forgiveness and reconciliation are necessary for a restored relationship with Him. It also pointed forward to the coming of Jesus Christ, who would fulfill the ultimate purpose of atonement by offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all humanity. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus became the ultimate High Priest and the final atonement for sin, providing a way for all who believe in Him to be forgiven and reconciled to God.

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