Day of Atonement

The Purpose

Yom Kippur is viewed as one of the most reverent, solemn, and holiest of days. It is a time that GOD ordained for the sanctification of HIS people. Yom Kippur is literally translated “The Day of Atonement”. The word “Atonement” can be understood with the term “covering” which coincides with the sacrificial offerings associated with this day. The sacrifices were “atonement” to GOD for sin. The spiritual aspect of this holy day is found in the manifestation of YESHUA the Messiah as the final and perfect sacrifice for sin thus uniting us with GOD once again.

The Time

Yom Kippur occurs on the tenth day of Tishri, which is recorded as the first month on the civil calendar and the seventh month of the religious calendar. This translates to mid-September / early October. Yom Kippur occurs in-between two of the other notable holy days namely Rosh Hashanah (The Feast of Trumpets – Tishri 1) and Sukkot (The Feast of Tabernacles – Tishri 15).

The History

This was the only day in the year that the High Priest was to enter into the “Holy of Holies” within the Temple, where GOD HIMSELF was present. It was a solemn day of fasting and repentance of one’s sins. In scripture, Israel was given very specific instructions in the observance of Yom Kippur (Lev. 16; Lev. 23:26-32; Num. 29:7-11). In order to keep a state of mind focusing on repentance, no work was to be done on this day. The entire day was to be devoted to implementing (High Priest & priesthood) and observing (the people) the necessary sacrificial observances commanded by the LORD for this day.

The Sacrificial Ceremony

Two key sacrifices of Yom Kippur are important to note. First, the Bull - which was the substitute for the sins of the High Priest and the priesthood; Second, were the two goats of which one, by lots was chosen as the bearer of the sins for the nation, while the other being the “Azazel” - a term for escape - was to be set free into the wilderness.

The Spiritual Focus

Yom Kippur is a time to examine ourselves, seek repentance, and make restitution. Here we see a beautiful picture of the role of YESHUA, the Messiah, and HIS ultimate sacrifice for us. HE became the perfect sacrifice. HE became the goat that was sacrificed once and for all in order to bring us back into right standing with the Most High, and we, HIS people were set free. Spiritually we must continue to seek GOD's face, growing in obedience to HIS will and fulfilling all that HE created us to be.