Leviticus 16:33 - Then he shall make atonement for the Holy Sanctuary; and he shall make atonement for the Tent of Meeting and for the altar; and he shall make atonement for the priests and for all the people of the assembly.
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What does "Leviticus 16:33" mean?
Leviticus 16:33 describes the culmination of the rituals performed on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). It explains the scope of the atonement achieved through these sacrifices and procedures. Let's break it down phrase by phrase:
"Then he shall make atonement for the Holy Sanctuary..." This refers to the innermost part of the Tabernacle or Temple, also known as the Holy of Holies. It was the place where the Ark of the Covenant resided and where God's presence was most intensely felt. Because the sins of the people could defile even this sacred space, it required atonement.
"...and he shall make atonement for the Tent of Meeting..." The Tent of Meeting (also sometimes translated as Tabernacle) refers to the structure that housed the Holy Sanctuary. This includes all its parts, like the Holy Place. Atonement was required here too, as sins could affect even the areas surrounding the most sacred space.
"...and for the altar..." This refers to the altar of burnt offering, which stood in the outer court of the Tabernacle/Temple. It was where sacrifices were made regularly. Because sacrifices were intended to deal with sin, the altar itself, being constantly associated with these offerings, required atonement.
"...and he shall make atonement for the priests..." The priests, as intermediaries between God and the people, and as those who administered the sacrificial system, were also prone to sin. Their sins could affect their ability to perform their duties properly and could potentially defile the sanctuary. Therefore, they needed atonement as well.
"...and for all the people of the assembly." This indicates that the atonement was not just for specific individuals or parts of the sanctuary but for the entire Israelite community. The collective sins of the people needed to be addressed to restore their relationship with God and maintain the covenant.
In summary:
This verse means that on the Day of Atonement, the High Priest performed rituals to cleanse not only the most sacred places within the sanctuary (the Holy of Holies and the rest of the tent/tabernacle), but also the altar, the priests who served in the sanctuary, and all the people of Israel. This comprehensive atonement ensured the removal of sin and defilement from every aspect of the community and their relationship with God.
Key takeaways:
Comprehensive Atonement: The atonement covered everything, from the holiest space to the people themselves, emphasizing the pervasive nature of sin and the need for thorough cleansing.
Restoration of Relationship: The primary purpose of the Day of Atonement and the accompanying rituals was to restore the relationship between God and Israel, which was damaged by sin.
Holiness of God: The verse underscores the holiness of God and the importance of maintaining the purity of the sanctuary as His dwelling place among the people.
Symbolic Significance: Understanding the symbolism behind these rituals helps in grasping the depth of God's provision for dealing with sin and restoring fellowship. It also prefigures the ultimate atonement offered through Jesus Christ.
This verse highlights the profound need for atonement in the Old Testament context and provides a backdrop for understanding the Christian concept of atonement through Jesus Christ, who is believed to be the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of all humanity.
Leviticus 16:33 - Then he shall make atonement for the Holy Sanctuary; and he shall make atonement for the Tent of Meeting and for the altar; and he shall make atonement for the priests and for all the people of the assembly.
What does "Leviticus 16:33" mean?
Leviticus 16:33 describes the culmination of the rituals performed on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). It explains the scope of the atonement achieved through these sacrifices and procedures. Let's break it down phrase by phrase:
"Then he shall make atonement for the Holy Sanctuary..." This refers to the innermost part of the Tabernacle or Temple, also known as the Holy of Holies. It was the place where the Ark of the Covenant resided and where God's presence was most intensely felt. Because the sins of the people could defile even this sacred space, it required atonement.
"...and he shall make atonement for the Tent of Meeting..." The Tent of Meeting (also sometimes translated as Tabernacle) refers to the structure that housed the Holy Sanctuary. This includes all its parts, like the Holy Place. Atonement was required here too, as sins could affect even the areas surrounding the most sacred space.
"...and for the altar..." This refers to the altar of burnt offering, which stood in the outer court of the Tabernacle/Temple. It was where sacrifices were made regularly. Because sacrifices were intended to deal with sin, the altar itself, being constantly associated with these offerings, required atonement.
"...and he shall make atonement for the priests..." The priests, as intermediaries between God and the people, and as those who administered the sacrificial system, were also prone to sin. Their sins could affect their ability to perform their duties properly and could potentially defile the sanctuary. Therefore, they needed atonement as well.
"...and for all the people of the assembly." This indicates that the atonement was not just for specific individuals or parts of the sanctuary but for the entire Israelite community. The collective sins of the people needed to be addressed to restore their relationship with God and maintain the covenant.
In summary:
This verse means that on the Day of Atonement, the High Priest performed rituals to cleanse not only the most sacred places within the sanctuary (the Holy of Holies and the rest of the tent/tabernacle), but also the altar, the priests who served in the sanctuary, and all the people of Israel. This comprehensive atonement ensured the removal of sin and defilement from every aspect of the community and their relationship with God.
Key takeaways:
Comprehensive Atonement: The atonement covered everything, from the holiest space to the people themselves, emphasizing the pervasive nature of sin and the need for thorough cleansing.
Restoration of Relationship: The primary purpose of the Day of Atonement and the accompanying rituals was to restore the relationship between God and Israel, which was damaged by sin.
Holiness of God: The verse underscores the holiness of God and the importance of maintaining the purity of the sanctuary as His dwelling place among the people.
Symbolic Significance: Understanding the symbolism behind these rituals helps in grasping the depth of God's provision for dealing with sin and restoring fellowship. It also prefigures the ultimate atonement offered through Jesus Christ.
This verse highlights the profound need for atonement in the Old Testament context and provides a backdrop for understanding the Christian concept of atonement through Jesus Christ, who is believed to be the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of all humanity.