The Day of Atonement was the most solemn day in Israel's calendar. Known in Hebrew as Yom Kippur, it is described in Leviticus 16 and later in Leviticus 23:26–32. On this one day each year, the high priest entered the most holy place of the tabernacle to make atonement for the sins of the whole nation.
What does "atonement" mean?
To atone means to make amends or to bring reconciliation — "at-one-ment" between God and people. In the Old Testament, atonement involved covering or removing sin so that a holy God could continue to live among his people. The Day of Atonement dealt with the sins that had built up over the year, cleansing both the people and the sanctuary.
When was it held?
The Day of Atonement fell on the tenth day of the seventh month (Tishri, usually in September or October). It was a day of rest from all work and of humbling oneself before God — usually understood as fasting (Leviticus 16:29–31).
The high priest's preparation
The day began with careful preparation:
- The high priest bathed and put on simple linen garments instead of his usual glorious robes (16:4) — a sign of humility.
- He first offered a bull as a sin offering for himself and his household (16:6, 11). Even the high priest needed atonement before he could represent the people.
Entering the most holy place
The high priest then took a censer of burning coals and incense into the most holy place, behind the veil. The cloud of incense covered the mercy seat on top of the ark of the covenant, "that he die not" (16:13). He sprinkled the bull's blood on and before the mercy seat seven times.
This was the only day of the year anyone could enter the most holy place — and only the high priest could do it.
The two goats
The most memorable part of the ceremony involved two goats for the people (16:7–10).
The goat for the Lord
Lots were cast. One goat was sacrificed as a sin offering for the people. Its blood was taken into the most holy place and sprinkled on the mercy seat, just as the bull's blood had been. This cleansed the sanctuary from the impurity of Israel's sins.
The scapegoat
The other goat was presented alive. The high priest laid both hands on its head and confessed over it all the sins of Israel, symbolically placing them on the goat. Then it was led away into the wilderness:
"And the goat shall bear upon him all their iniquities unto a land not inhabited: and he shall let go the goat in the wilderness." (Leviticus 16:22, KJV)
This goat is called the "scapegoat" in the KJV (Hebrew Azazel; scholars discuss the exact meaning of the word). The picture is clear: sins were carried far away, never to return. Psalm 103:12 echoes this hope: "As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us."
The result
"For on that day shall the priest make an atonement for you, to cleanse you, that ye may be clean from all your sins before the LORD." (Leviticus 16:30, KJV)
Yom Kippur today
After the destruction of the temple in AD 70, sacrifices ended. Jewish communities still observe Yom Kippur as the holiest day of the year, with fasting, prayer and repentance.
The Day of Atonement and Jesus
The letter to the Hebrews explains that the Day of Atonement was a shadow pointing to Jesus (Hebrews 9–10). The parallels are striking:
| Day of Atonement | Jesus |
|---|---|
| A human high priest who first had to offer for his own sins | A sinless high priest (Hebrews 7:26–27) |
| Entered an earthly sanctuary | Entered "into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us" (9:24) |
| Offered the blood of animals | Offered "his own blood" (9:12) |
| Repeated every year | Offered "once for all" (9:12; 10:10) |
| Sins covered for a year | Sins removed for ever (10:14, 17) |
| The veil remained closed | The veil was torn, opening the way for all (Matthew 27:51; Hebrews 10:19–20) |
Jesus fulfils both goats: he was sacrificed for sin, and he carried our sins away. John the Baptist called him "the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world" (John 1:29).
Lessons for today
- Sin is serious — it separates us from a holy God.
- God provides atonement — the whole ceremony was his gracious design.
- Humility and repentance matter — Israel was called to humble themselves.
- Jesus' sacrifice is complete — believers can approach God with confidence (Hebrews 4:16).
Continue with lessons from the book of Numbers, or read about the tabernacle and sacrifices in Leviticus.