Leviticus 16:1-19
And he shall take from the congregation of the people of Israel two male goats for a sin offering, and one ram for a burnt offering.- Leviticus 16:5
Leviticus 16 gives a detailed account of the Day of Atonement, the most sacred and solemn day in the Old Testament law. On that day, the high priest Aaron was to offer sacrifices for himself, the people, and the sanctuary, so that the relationship between the Israelites and God could be restored. The Day of Atonement reveals the deep separation between sinful humanity and a holy God. If God had not graciously initiated a way of redemption, we would never be able to draw near to Him.
Even though daily burnt offerings and sin offerings were made throughout the year, the sins of the people continued to “accumulate,” defiling the sanctuary. Therefore, once a year on the Day of Atonement, after purifying himself, the high priest entered the Most Holy Place to offer atonement for the entire nation. Through this, both the people and the sanctuary were cleansed, allowing God’s presence to continue dwelling among them.
This teaches us that sin is not merely about behavior. It is a relational issue. Sin breaks our relationship with God. And only according to God’s provision, through the blood of a spotless sacrifice, can sin be covered and reconciliation restored.
On this day, two goats played a key role: one was sacrificed as a sin offering, and the other, called the Azazel (or “scapegoat”), symbolically carried away the people’s sins into the wilderness. Together, these two goats portrayed the two aspects of atonement: the payment for sin’s penalty, and the removal of guilt. God not only forgives our sin—He also takes it away from us.
The Day of Atonement ultimately pointed to Jesus Christ, who offered Himself once and for all as the perfect sacrifice for sin. In Hebrews 9–10, the author explains that the high priest’s annual entry into the Most Holy Place was only a shadow of the reality to come. Christ, our true High Priest, entered the heavenly sanctuary with His own blood and secured eternal redemption for us. He is the spotless Lamb who died for sinners and made a way for us to draw near to God with confidence (Hebrews 4:16).
Although we no longer observe the Day of Atonement today, we must not forget the holiness of God or the great price Jesus paid to cleanse us. Sin is no small matter. It remains the greatest barrier between us and God. The Day of Atonement reminds us never to take repentance lightly, nor to treat Christ’s sacrifice casually. Will you allow Jesus to free you from the grip of sin today?
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for establishing the Day of Atonement in the Old Testament, showing us the seriousness of sin and the holiness of Your presence. Thank You even more for sending Your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, to be the perfect sacrifice for our sins, pouring out His blood and bearing our guilt. Lord, I confess my weakness and my careless attitude toward sin. Please forgive me, cleanse me, and help me walk in reverence before You. May I not only call You “Lord” with my lips, but live each day as one who has truly been redeemed. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.
Leviticus 16 gives a detailed account of the Day of Atonement, the most sacred and solemn day in the Old Testament law. On that day, the high priest Aaron was to offer sacrifices for himself, the people, and the sanctuary, so that the relationship between the Israelites and God could be restored. The Day of Atonement reveals the deep separation between sinful humanity and a holy God. If God had not graciously initiated a way of redemption, we would never be able to draw near to Him.
Even though daily burnt offerings and sin offerings were made throughout the year, the sins of the people continued to “accumulate,” defiling the sanctuary. Therefore, once a year on the Day of Atonement, after purifying himself, the high priest entered the Most Holy Place to offer atonement for the entire nation. Through this, both the people and the sanctuary were cleansed, allowing God’s presence to continue dwelling among them.
This teaches us that sin is not merely about behavior. It is a relational issue. Sin breaks our relationship with God. And only according to God’s provision, through the blood of a spotless sacrifice, can sin be covered and reconciliation restored.
On this day, two goats played a key role: one was sacrificed as a sin offering, and the other, called the Azazel (or “scapegoat”), symbolically carried away the people’s sins into the wilderness. Together, these two goats portrayed the two aspects of atonement: the payment for sin’s penalty, and the removal of guilt. God not only forgives our sin—He also takes it away from us.
The Day of Atonement ultimately pointed to Jesus Christ, who offered Himself once and for all as the perfect sacrifice for sin. In Hebrews 9–10, the author explains that the high priest’s annual entry into the Most Holy Place was only a shadow of the reality to come. Christ, our true High Priest, entered the heavenly sanctuary with His own blood and secured eternal redemption for us. He is the spotless Lamb who died for sinners and made a way for us to draw near to God with confidence (Hebrews 4:16).
Although we no longer observe the Day of Atonement today, we must not forget the holiness of God or the great price Jesus paid to cleanse us. Sin is no small matter. It remains the greatest barrier between us and God. The Day of Atonement reminds us never to take repentance lightly, nor to treat Christ’s sacrifice casually. Will you allow Jesus to free you from the grip of sin today?
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for establishing the Day of Atonement in the Old Testament, showing us the seriousness of sin and the holiness of Your presence. Thank You even more for sending Your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, to be the perfect sacrifice for our sins, pouring out His blood and bearing our guilt. Lord, I confess my weakness and my careless attitude toward sin. Please forgive me, cleanse me, and help me walk in reverence before You. May I not only call You “Lord” with my lips, but live each day as one who has truly been redeemed. In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.