Leviticus 16:29 is a commandment related to the Day of Atonement, also known as Yom Kippur. Let's break down what each part means:
"It shall be a statute to you forever:" This phrase indicates that this commandment is meant to be a permanent and enduring obligation for the Israelites and their descendants.
"in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month:" This specifies the date on which the commandment is to be observed - the tenth day of the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar. This corresponds to Yom Kippur.
"you shall afflict your souls:" This is the core of the commandment. "Afflicting your souls" traditionally means:
Fasting: Abstaining from food and drink. This is the most common understanding and practice.
Self-Denial: This could also include abstaining from other comforts and pleasures. The purpose is to focus on repentance and atonement.
Humility: Acknowledging one's sins and shortcomings before God.
"and shall do no kind of work:" This prohibits any form of labor on this day. The intent is to devote the entire day to spiritual reflection and seeking atonement, without the distraction of daily tasks.
"the native-born, or the stranger who lives as a foreigner among you:" This emphasizes that the commandment applies to everyone within the Israelite community, regardless of their origin. This includes both native-born Israelites and foreigners who have chosen to live among them.
In summary, this verse commands that on Yom Kippur, the tenth day of the seventh month, everyone in the community must abstain from food, drink, and work, and engage in sincere repentance and self-reflection.
The purpose of these actions is:
Atonement: To seek forgiveness for sins committed throughout the year.
Spiritual Cleansing: To purify themselves before God.
Renewal: To begin the new year with a clean slate.
Therefore, it describes the requirements of Yom Kippur.
Leviticus 16:29 is a commandment related to the Day of Atonement, also known as Yom Kippur. Let's break down what each part means:
"It shall be a statute to you forever:" This phrase indicates that this commandment is meant to be a permanent and enduring obligation for the Israelites and their descendants.
"in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month:" This specifies the date on which the commandment is to be observed - the tenth day of the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar. This corresponds to Yom Kippur.
"you shall afflict your souls:" This is the core of the commandment. "Afflicting your souls" traditionally means:
Fasting: Abstaining from food and drink. This is the most common understanding and practice.
Self-Denial: This could also include abstaining from other comforts and pleasures. The purpose is to focus on repentance and atonement.
Humility: Acknowledging one's sins and shortcomings before God.
"and shall do no kind of work:" This prohibits any form of labor on this day. The intent is to devote the entire day to spiritual reflection and seeking atonement, without the distraction of daily tasks.
"the native-born, or the stranger who lives as a foreigner among you:" This emphasizes that the commandment applies to everyone within the Israelite community, regardless of their origin. This includes both native-born Israelites and foreigners who have chosen to live among them.
In summary, this verse commands that on Yom Kippur, the tenth day of the seventh month, everyone in the community must abstain from food, drink, and work, and engage in sincere repentance and self-reflection.
The purpose of these actions is:
Atonement: To seek forgiveness for sins committed throughout the year.
Spiritual Cleansing: To purify themselves before God.
Renewal: To begin the new year with a clean slate.
Therefore, it describes the requirements of Yom Kippur.