Consider the Day

The Lord had prepared everything that led up to this day. It could not have taken place before this time and it is a reminder that God works always to accomplish His great purposes in His time-plan. The course of Leviticus traces that preparation following the erection of the Tabernacle at the end of Exodus. Moses facilitated the Day of Atonement by executing the instructions given him by the LORD for the building of the Tabernacle and the various items of the furniture: two altars, laver, curtains, table, ark, lid and cherubim, utensils and bowls, all items necessary for the operation of the sacrificial system. We must also include the garments worn by the High-Priest and his attention to the comprehensive instructions for fulfilling this day’s operations with regard to the various sacrifices. On this Day of Atonement, each of these items will be utilised for this one purpose of facilitating the offerings for making atonement for the sin of Aaron and his family (immediately prior to this event his two eldest sons had been killed, by the LORD) and the congregation of Israel. Chapter 16 now takes place, following the previous chapters of preparation. Each of the sacrifices in ch.1-5, gave clear insight about sin and about Christ’s offering for sin. These sacrifices are called “types” and they find their fulfilment in the “antitype” who is Jesus Christ in His sacrificial death. The Hebrews writer says nothing about the scape goat of Leviticus ch.16, although he has a lot to say about the Day of Atonement and the High Priest. This sacred Day took place in September-October, six months after the Passover. According to the Jewish calendar, it came on the tenth day of the seventh month (Lev.16:29; 23:26-32; Num.29:7-11), and occurred, “year by year.” The Day of Atonement was instituted by Moses as part of a comprehensive system of sacrifice which centred on Israel’s faith in one God whose name was LORD/Jehovah/Yahweh (Deut.6:4) and provided complete atonement for all, including the High Priest and his family and every person and family in Israel.