© 2000 "Yes Lord" Ministries

Leviticus

Lesson 7

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Hi again. And welcome back to another lesson in this study of the Book of Leviticus. And you are going to love this lesson, for we are going to be looking at The Day of Atonement. This very important Day was first described and observed almost 3500 years ago, but it is still a very special day in the lives of the Jewish people and nation. Indeed, it is the most solemn of all the Days which the Jewish people observe then and now.

Why is this day so important? When is it? What occurs on this day? And, what does the Day of Atonement teach and picture that is so important? Well, those are but a few of the things we will discover in this lesson. So, grab your Bible, your pen and colored pencils, and let's begin.

And, of course, as usual, we need to begin with an assignment. So, open your Bible and read Leviticus Chapter 16. And, as you read this chapter, look for and mark the following 3 things:

1. Who does the actual Priestly functions for the activities of this day? Put a BLUE CIRCLE with a HP (for High Priest) in the center of the circle, on every occurrence of his name or words (he, his, etc) used in place of his name.

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2. Put a BLACK circle around every animal that is sacrificed (either by actual death or by being released in the desert as the scape goat) during this Day of Atonement.

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3. Put a GREEN circle around every location or Temple item or article (sanctuary, Tent of Meeting, altar before the Lord, curtain, censer, etc.) which is mentioned as part of the places or things involved in the observance of the events of this Day of Atonement.

Ok! That is your assignment. If you have time, it would be best if you read this chapter 3 times, marking one of these assigned things each time. But, if you don't have time, you may mark all 3 things on one reading. But, trust me, IF you can possibly find the time to read it 3 times and focus on only on the thing to mark during each reading, you will really understand this chapter much better. And, this is a very important chapter, so, please, if you have the time, read this 3 times. But, whatever you decide to do, now is the time to do it.... so.... we will pause now while you do this assignment. And, when you have finished, return to this lesson and we will continue in this study.

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Great! I see that you have finished. And, now, let's think about what you have read and marked and let's answer a few questions based on what you have read. And, if you did read this 3 times, you are going to be suprised and thrilled at how much you learned just by simply reading and marking.

First of all: WHEN is this day observed? (16:29) On the ________ day of the _______ month.

And how often is this to be observed? Circle your answer from the choices below:

A. once a year for as long as they are in the wilderness

B. once a year until they get tired of it

C. once a year forever as a lasting ordinance

You noticed in previous chapters that when various offerings and sacrifices were offered, that ALL of the priests were participating even though the High Priest had the most prominent roll. But, on this day, The Day of Atonement, how many Priests are involved? Circle your answer from the choices below.

A. The High Priest and all of the other priests as usual

B. The High Priest and a few of the more important priests

C. ONLY The High Priest. No other priests participated.

We have been referring to the events in Chapter 16 as the Day of Atonement but WHY? Is this something that I made up or are there clues in Leviticus 16 which explain why this is the name used? . In fact, stop now and re-read Leviticus 16 and EVERY time you see the word ATONEMENT (or words used in place of that word) put a RED CIRCLE around that word.

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Hmmmmm. Was this a sneaky way of getting you to read this chapter more than once? Yep! But, it is very important that you understand this chapter, so whether you have now read it 2 times or 4 times, you will never regret it. You just can not read God's Word too many times!!! And every time you read it, you will see more and understand more. So never think you can read His Word too many times. You can't!

And if you are wondering about your answers to the previous questions -- well, The Day of atonement is to be observed as a lasting (continuing) ordinance annually (once a year) on the 10th day of the 7th month (which on the Jewish Calendar, is the 10th of Tishri).

And, speaking of the Month of Tishri, the 7th Month on the Jewish Calendar, it corresponds roughly to our Sept - October (the time varies slightly each year since the Jewish calendar consists of 30 day months which are based on the Moon cycles). As we will learn in a later lesson, when we look at the 8 major days in the Jewish Year, we will discover that the Month of Tishri begins with the Feast of Trumpets. Then, 10 days later is The Day of Atonement, and after that, the Feast of Tabernacles begins on the 15th day. So, the Month of Tishri is very important on the Jewish calendar.

And, as you probably also correctly answered, on this special day, the Day of Atonement, ONLY the High Priest participated in the offerings of the sacrifices. No other priests participated. The High priest did all of the various things ALONE. We will find that there is great significance to that as we continue in this study. So, hold that thought for now.

And some of the places where I found the word, Atonement, in Leviticus were: 16: 2, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 24, 30, 32, 33, 34. You surely found most of those and probably found others, since you may be using a different Translation of the Bible. Indeed, some translations of the Bible, including KJV and the Amplified Bible translate the word "atonement" as "mercy seat", so if you are using one of those versions, you might want to go back and also mark "mercy seat" for it is the same Hebrew word as atonement. Hmmmmm. Interesting!

Yes, this word, Atonement (sometimes translated as "mercy seat"), is very important and is used repeatedly in this chapter. For this reason it is a KEY word and, it, like a key, it unlocks the meaning of this group of verses. So, always be alert for Key words when you read the Bible. Why? Because, Key words are words which are used repeatedly in a passage and, even if used only once or twice, are so important, that if you removed them, the passage would loose much or all of its meaning. Atonement is obviously a key word in Chapter 16 of Leviticus.

Anyway, I guess it is now very clear to you WHY the events in this chapter are called The Day of Atonement.

But, you ask, what exactly does ATONEMENT mean?

Good question! And, this is a word that we really need to understand, since the entire chapter centers around it. (And, we will be hearing even more about this Day later in the Book of Leviticus, in Chapter 23, when we discover that it is one of the Sacred Assembly Days to be observed by the Jews annually.) So it is important that we understand what this word means.

So, you guessed it! It is time for a Word Study of DAY of ATONEMENT. And, as we have done before, if you have word study "tools", feel free to use them and add to this definition. But, for those of you who don't, I will give you the definition based on some of the "tools" which are on my book shelf. And, as you read the definition below, underline or highlight (in a color of your choice), anything that helps you to better understand and remember what this word, Atonement, means.

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ATONEMENT

Strongs (3722) Kaphar

TWOT (1023) kapar, koper, kippur, kapporet

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as defined in Strong's:

3722 = Kaphar = to cover (spec. with bitumen); fig. to expiate or condone, to placate or cancel; --appease, make (an) atonement, pacify, pardon, to pitch, purge (away), put off, (make) reconcile (liation).

as defined in TWOT (Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament -- Volume 1, pages 452-453) :

1023 = kapar = ...make an atonement, make reconciliation, purge

1023a = koper = ...ransom, gift to secure (favor)

1023b = kippur = (used in the plural kippurim) atonement

1023c = kapporet = place of atonement; kjv, "mercy seat."

Kapar (1023) (verb) "The root (word), Kapar (twot 1023), is used some 150 times. ... ... ... The Hebrew verb is never used in the simple or Qal stem, but only in the derived intensive stems. These intensive stems often indicate not emphasis, but merely that the verb is derived from a noun whose meaning is more basic to the root idea."

Koper (1023a) = Ransom. "Every Israelite was to give to the service of the sanctuary the "ransom" money of half a shekel (Ex. 30:12). Egypt, in God's sight was given as a "ransom" for the restoration of Israel (Isa 43:3). This word "ransom" is parallel to the word "redeem" (pada, which see) in Ps 49:7. There is a warning that a man guilty of murder must be killed -- no "ransom" can be given in exchange for his life (Num 35:31). The word is also used in a bad sense as a "bribe" which wrongly purchases favor (1 Sam 12:3).

...From the meaning of koper "ransom," the meaning of kapar can be better understood. It means "to atone by offering a substitute." The great majority of the usages concern the priestly ritual of sprinkling of the sacrificial blood thus "making an atonement" for the worshiper. There are 49 instances of this usage in Leviticus alone and no other meaning is there witnessed. The verb is always used in connection with the removal of sin or defilement, except for Gen 32:20; Prov 16:14; and Isa 28:18 where the related meaning of "appease by a gift" may be observed. it seems clear that this word aptly illustrates the theology of reconciliation in the OT. The life of the sacrificial animal specifically symbolized by its blood was required in exchange for the life of the worshipper. Sacrifice of animals in OT theology was not merely an expression of thanks to the deity by a cattle raising people. It was the symbolic expression of innocent life given for guilty life. This symbolism is further clarified by the action of the worshiper in placing his hands on the head of the sacrifice and confessing his sins over the animal (cf. Lev 16:21; 1:4; 4:4, etc) which was then killed or sent out as a scapegoat.

Kippur (1023 b) Atonement and Kapporet (1023 c) Mercy Seat "These two nouns are derived from the verb (kapar) as used in the intensive stem;

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The first (noun) -- (Kippur) is used today in the name of the Jewish holiday yom kippur "day of atonement" (used only in the plural in the OT) which was the tenth day of the seventh month, Tishri. This solemn day was the only day of fasting prescribed for Israel. It was celebrated by a special sin offering for the whole nation. On that day only would the high priest enter within the inner veil bearing the blood of the sin offering (cf Heb 9:7). A second goat was released as an escape goat to symbolize the total removal of sin (see azazel "scapegoat").

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(The second noun) -- (kapporet. Mercy Seat) ... is used 27 times and always refers to the golden cover of the sacred chest in the inner shrine of the tabernacle or temple. It was from above the mercy seat that God promised to meet with men (Num 7:89). The word, however, is not related to mercy and of course was not a seat. The word is derived from the root "to atone" (kapar). The Greek equivalent in the LXX (Septuagint) is usually hilasterion, "place or object of propitiation", a word which is applied to Christ in Rom 3:25. The translation "mercy seat" does not sufficiently express the fact that the lid of the ark was the place where the blood was sprinkled on the day of atonement. "Place of atonement" would perhaps be more expressive. "

... .... From TWOT (Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament, Volume 1, by Harris, Archer, & Waltke. 1980. Moody Bible Institute of Chicago. ISBN # 0-8024-8631-2 (set). pps 452-453.

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Now, I know that this was probably more than you wanted to know about the word, Atonement, but believe it or not, there was even more in TWOT which I did not include here. However, this information will help you have a better understanding of what this word means. So thanks for persevering and for reading this definition from Strongs and TWOT. But, since this was a LOT to assimilate, and since you did underline and highlight things as your read, let's now think about and summarize what you understand about atonement.

So, in the space below, briefly summarize, in your own words, what ATONEMENT is and means:

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Correct. Good thinking and summarizing.

And, by the way, I guess you now know why the Day of Atonement is also called Yom (the Hebrew word for "day") Kippur. Wow.

And, we also know what atonement is, ie. that is the way that a person's sins or an unholy unclean item can be paid for and made clean again. We know that in order for atonement to occur, there must be a God specified and approved sacrificial offering of an innocent animal which pays, with its life, as a ransom, the penalty for the sins and uncleanness of the person or thing that is to be atoned for. And we recall from our last lesson that this is necessary in order that that the sinner or unclean thing can be restored to a state of sinlessness and cleanness and thus be able to fellowship with, Worship, and serve a Holy God

So, with that in mind, let's consider the actions and events that occurred on the Day of Atonement. Specifically, we will briefly look at who and what was cleansed by atonement, how this atonement produced the cleansing, and, as before, we will see that these events and actions also pictured, as shadows, something very important that would happen in their future (and our past).

We will do this by, you guessed it, answering some questions based on what you read in Leviticus 16. So, let's begin. And, in the following series of questions, circle your answer from the choices given (in some questions, more than one answer may be correct.)

How often was the day of Atonement to be observed? (16:34)

A. daily

B. weekly

C. monthly

D. annually (once a year)

Who and what was to be atoned for? (16:34) (Circle your answer from the choices below.)

A. The sins of the Priests only

B. The sins of the Priests and their families only

C. For ALL the sins of the ALL the Israelites

What did the people do on the Day of Atonement? (16:29-31)

A. they partied partied partied

B. they fasted and did not eat (denied themselves)

C. they continued doing their usual work and activities

D. they played games and visited with each other

E. they did no work

F they rested (just as they would do on a Sabbath)

Who did the actual actions "work" of the offering of the sacrifices required for atonement?

A. The Israelites themselves with the assistance of the priests.

B. The High Priest and the other priests.

C. The High Priest ONLY. He did it ALL.

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What was in the Holy of Holies (also called the Most Holy Place in some translations), the innermost part of the Tabernacle ? (16:2)

A. The Ark of the Covenant

B. The Shekinah Glory Cloud of God

C. The Atonement Cover (Mercy Seat) on the top of the Ark

Who could go into the Holy of Holies (the Most Holy Place) and when could he or they go? (16:1-3, 32-33)

A. Anyone who was a human being, Jew or Gentile, and at any time they wanted

B. Only Jews could go in, but they could go in anytime they wanted to.

C. Only the High Priest and the Priests could go in but they could at any time they wanted to.

D. Only the High Priest and whenever he felt like it.

E. Nadab and Abihu, the two sons of Aaron could at any time they wanted.

F. Only the High Priest and then only at one specified time a year (the Day of Atonement) and only if he went with the blood sacrifices which were required by God.

What would happen if anyone other than the High Priest tried to enter the Holy of Holies (Most Holy Place) or if the High Priest himself tried to enter at any time other than the Day of Atonement and or without the required blood sacrifices? (16:2)

A. he would get sick

B. he would become a leper

C. nothing would happen, God doesn't really care or enforce His commands.

D. he would die

When the High Priest went into the Holy of Holies (Most Holy Place) which of his High Priest garments did he wear? (16:4 & 8:7-9)

A. the linen coat (tunic) with the linen undergarments next to his body

B. linen sash (girdle)

C. robe with its golden bells

D. ephod

E. the skillfully woven waistband of the ephod

F. the breastpiece

G. the Urim and the Thummin

H. turban (mitre)

I. the gold plate, the sacred diadem (on the front of the turbin)

When the High Priest went into the Holy of Holies (Most Holy Place) which of his High Priest garments did he NOT wear? (16:4 & 8:7-9)

A. the linen coat (tunic) with the linen undergarments next to his body

B. linen sash (girdle)

C. robe with its golden bells

D. ephod

E. the skillfully woven waistband of the ephod

F. the breastpiece

G. the Urim and the Thummin

H. turban (mitre)

I. the gold plate, the sacred diadem (on the front of the turbin)

When the High Priest went into the Holy of Holies (Most Holy Place), what did he take as the Sacrificial offering? (16:14,15)

A. a meal offering of grain and cereals

B. blood of a bird

C. blood of a bull (for himself and for his household)

D. blood of a goat (for the people)

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What did the High Priest "do" when he entered the Most Holy Place in order to not look directly at the Shekinah Glory of God and to not directly see the Atonement cover? (16:12-13)

A. he walked backwards and never looked in the direction of the Shekinah Glory or Atonement cover

B. he was blindfolded so he would not see the Shekinah Glory or Atonement cover

C. he kept his eyes shut the whole time he was in the Holy of Holies

D. he put the special incense on the burning coals in the censer. This produced a lot of smoke which concealed the atonement cover from his view.

When the High priest went into the Holy of Holies (Most Holy Place), with the blood, what did he do with it? (16:14,15) (Read those verses and write your answer in the space provided:

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Who was with the High Priest or in the Tent of Meeting (the Tabernacle) during the time that he was performing his duties of going into the Holy of Holies to make atonement for himself, his household, and the whole community of Israel? (16:17) (Write your answer in the space below)

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What separates the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies (Most Holy Place)? (16:2)

A. Nothing, it is open and visible by everyone at all times

B. a wooden wall

C. a brick wall

D. a Glass Wall

E. a Curtain (veil)

We read in 16:7-10 about the 2 goats, one of which was to be for the ____________ and the other was to be a __________________________

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Each goat was to have a distinctly different fate. How was that determination as to what would happen to each of these two goats done? (16:8) ____________________________________________ .

And, as a result of this casting of lots, what was to happen to the goat whose lot falls to the Lord? (Why is this done and what does it accomplish?) (16:9) (Write your answer in the space below.)

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And what happened to the goat chosen by lot as the scapegoat and why is this done (what does this represent / what does this accomplish)? (16:10) (Write your answer in the space below)

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But what happens to the scapegoat before it is sent into away into the desert to go to the solitary space? And what does this represent (ie. what does this accomplish)? (16:20-22) (Write your answer in the space below.)

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Whew. Aren't you glad you read that chapter 2 or 4 times? It is really full of very important information, and, as you have noticed, we didn't cover everything, but have only hit the high points. And if you think this has been a lot, remember that this is the very first Book that the young Jewish child studies. And they go into much more detail than we have done. Soooooo.

And, in case you are wondering, my answers to that last series of questions were: D; C; BF ; C ; yes; yes; ABC ; no; F ; D; ABH ; CDEFGI ; CD ; no; D ; sprinkled it on ... ; No one (he was alone) ; yes; E ; Lord; Scapegoat; by casting lots ; was killed to provide the atonement blood sacrifice; was sent out alive into the wilderness bearing all the sins of the people ; hands laid on goat's head were symbolic of all the sins of the people being transferred to the goat.

But, we must continue on.

We have looked at a lot of facts and details. And we have seen that the Day of Atonement is a very solemn and important annual day in the life of the Jewish people. It was then, it has been since about 1500 BC when this was instituted (really about 1490 BC), and even today it still is the most solemn and important day on the Jewish calendar.

Why? Because this is the one day of the year that all of the sins (known and unknown, intentional and unintentional) of the entire Jewish nation for the entire previous year are confessed and atoned for. On this day each year, the relationship of the Jewish Nation with their Holy God was restored. Because of this Atonement, they and their Holy God could once again be AT- ONE- MENT with each other. The blood shed by the innocent animal provided the required blood sacrifice for this at-one-ment.

Yes, Atonement provides "at one ment" and is the way that an UNholy person, nation, or thing can be made holy again and able to worship, fellowship with, and serve a Holy God.

And that is what this day represents to the Jews then and now.

But, today there is NO tabernacle, NO temple, and there are NO sacrifices being offered -- nor has there been a Tabernacle, Temple, or sacrifice since 70 AD when the Temple was destroyed by the Roman army.

Yet, today, in 2000 AD (1930 years after the destruction of the Temple and the cessation of their Temple worship and sacrifices), the Jews still observe the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). It is still a most solemn day. It is still a time of fasting, introspection, and repentance.

But, since there is now no Temple and there are no sacrifices, aren't the Jews "in trouble" and "in sin" and unable to worship their Holy God, since there is no longer an annual blood sacrifice or scapegoat to provide the atonement for and removal of their sins?

And how about those of us who are not Jews? How can we get rid of our sins? After all, we are just as steeped in sin as the Jews are. We need atonement with a Holy God just as much as the Jews do? So, what to do?

Well, those are important questions! And, we can answer those questions when we understand Who and what is being pictured as a shadow by the Day of Atonement, the blood sacrifices, the goat for the Lord, the scapegoat, and the veil (curtain).

That curtain (veil) prevented access by sinful people to their Holy God. Their God was on the other side of the curtain (veil) and inside the Holy of Holies (the Holy Place). As sinners, their God was unaccessable to them unless an atonement for their sin was available.

This atonement and, therefore, access to God was available One day a year, on the Day of Atonement. But, what about the other days? What happened the next day or the next week or the next month or whenever it was that the person or nation sinned again (either intentionally or unintentionally.) Well, obviously they again became UNholy. And, Atonement was again required. But it was a long time till the next Day of Atonement.

So, What to do? How could an UNholy person approach and worship, fellowship, and serve a Holy God. There has to be a better plan. There has to be a way that man can have his sin (past, present, and future) permanently, completely, and one time for all, atoned for. Then that person could always and at any time enter into the Most Holy Place (Holy of Holies) and fellowship with, worship, and serve their God.

But, is this possible? Is it possible to have an atonement which is lasting and permanent? Yes! It is!

And, in the next lesson (part 2 of this study of the Day of Atonement), we are going to find out How and Why this is possible.

So, with that in mind, let's stop now. Think about what you have studied.

And, we will continue in Part 2 (Lesson 8). See you there!

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Scriptures unless otherwise marked are taken from

the NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright C 1973,1978,1984 International Bible Society.

Used by permission of Zondervan Publishers.

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