“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.” (Leviticus 16:29-31, NKJV)
Yom Kippur, often referred to as the Day of Atonement, is one of the holiest and most solemn days in the biblical calendar. For believers today, Yom Kippur is a day dedicated to repentance, self-reflection, and spiritual renewal.
The origins of Yom Kippur are found in the first five books of the Bible (Torah), particularly in the book of Leviticus. Leviticus 16 outlines the detailed instructions given to Moses by God regarding the observance of this sacred day. It was established as a day of atonement for the people of Israel, marked by solemn rituals, sacrifices, and the confession of sins.
Some of the key elements of Yom Kippur are described in Leviticus 16:29-34:
“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.” (Leviticus 16:29-31, NKJV)
This passage establishes Yom Kippur as an enduring observance, meant to be kept throughout generations as a day of repentance and spiritual cleansing.
On Yom Kippur, the High Priest would enter the Holy of Holies, the most holy part of the Tabernacle, to sprinkle the blood of the sacrifice on behalf of the people.
“When Aaron has finished making atonement for the Most Holy Place, the tent of meeting and the altar, he shall bring forward the live goat. He is to lay both hands on the head of the live goat and confess over it all the wickedness and rebellion of the Israelites—all their sins—and put them on the goat’s head. He shall send the goat away into the wilderness in the care of someone appointed for the task. The goat will carry on itself all their sins to a remote place; and the man shall release it in the wilderness.” (Leviticus 16:20-22, NIV)
For believers today, Yom Kippur is a reminder of what Yeshua did for us on the cross.
“But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation. Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.” (Hebrews 9:11-12, NKJV)
Today, take time to reflect on the role of Yom Kippur in your spiritual life, as well as the blood that was shed. Yom Kippur is time to examine your heart, confess your sins, and seek God’s forgiveness. This process involves recognizing areas where you have fallen short, asking for His mercy, and trusting in His promise to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Today, pray for the Lord to give you a clean heart and a renewed spirit, as David did in Psalm 51:7. Embrace the opportunity to start anew, experiencing the profound peace and restoration that comes from being reconciled with God.
Prayer:
Lord, as I prepare myself for the day of Yom Kippur, I come before You seeking Your forgiveness and cleansing. Help me to examine my heart honestly and to confess my sins with sincerity. Thank You for the atonement provided through Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice has made it possible for me to be cleansed and restored. Purge me of all unrighteousness and renew my spirit, that I may walk in Your ways with a clean heart. Guide me in making things right with others and in living a life that reflects Your grace and mercy. Amen.
Verses to Meditate On:
- Hebrews 9:22 (NKJV)
“And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission.” - Romans 3:25 (NKJV)
“Whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed.” - 1 John 1:9 (NKJV)
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” - Psalm 51:7 (NKJV)
“Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.”
