Leviticus 16:16

So he shall make atonement for the Most Holy Place because of the impurities and rebellious acts of the Israelites in regard to all their sins. He is to do the same for the Tent of Meeting which abides among them, because it is surrounded by their impurities.

Study Bible

In this way
This phrase indicates a specific method or procedure that is divinely ordained. The Hebrew root here is "כָּזֹאת" (kazot), which emphasizes the importance of following God's precise instructions. It underscores the necessity of obedience in worship and ritual, reflecting the broader biblical theme that God's ways are higher than human ways (Isaiah 55:9).

he will make atonement
The Hebrew word for atonement is "כִּפֶּר" (kipper), which means to cover or to cleanse. This concept is central to the sacrificial system, pointing forward to the ultimate atonement made by Christ. The act of atonement is not merely a ritual but a profound spiritual transaction that restores the relationship between God and His people.

for the Most Holy Place
The "Most Holy Place," or "Holy of Holies," is the innermost and most sacred area of the tabernacle, where God's presence dwelt. The Hebrew term is "קֹדֶשׁ הַקֳּדָשִׁים" (Kodesh HaKodashim). This space symbolizes the holiness and separateness of God, and the need for purity to approach Him. It foreshadows the access believers have to God through Christ, who tore the veil (Matthew 27:51).

because of the impurities
The Hebrew word "טֻמְאוֹת" (tum'ot) refers to ceremonial uncleanness. This impurity is not just physical but represents the moral and spiritual defilement that separates humanity from God. The need for cleansing highlights the holiness of God and the sinfulness of man, necessitating a mediator.

and rebellious acts
The term "פְּשָׁעִים" (pesha'im) refers to willful transgressions or acts of rebellion against God. This highlights the gravity of sin as not just a failure but an active rebellion against divine authority. It underscores the need for repentance and the seriousness with which God views sin.

of the Israelites
The Israelites, or "בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל" (Bnei Yisrael), are God's chosen people, set apart to be a holy nation. This phrase reminds us of the covenant relationship between God and Israel, and by extension, the Church. It emphasizes the communal aspect of sin and atonement, affecting the entire body of believers.

whatever their sins may have been
This phrase, "לְכָל־חַטֹּאתָם" (le'chol-chatotam), indicates the comprehensive nature of atonement, covering all types of sin. It reflects the sufficiency of God's provision for sin, pointing to the complete and perfect sacrifice of Jesus, who covers all our iniquities (1 John 2:2).

He is to do the same for the Tent of Meeting
The "Tent of Meeting," or "אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד" (Ohel Mo'ed), is the place where God met with Moses and the priests. It represents God's desire to dwell among His people. The need for atonement here signifies that even sacred spaces require purification due to human sinfulness.

which dwells among them
The Hebrew "הַשֹּׁכֵן בְּתוֹכָם" (hashochen betocham) speaks of God's presence among His people. This dwelling is both a privilege and a responsibility, calling for holiness and reverence. It foreshadows the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers, making them temples of God (1 Corinthians 6:19).

because it is surrounded by their impurities
This phrase highlights the pervasive nature of sin and its impact on the community and the sacred. The presence of God amidst impurity necessitates continual cleansing and atonement, pointing to the ongoing need for sanctification in the believer's life. It serves as a reminder of the transformative power of God's presence to purify and renew.

Persons / Places / Events

1. High Priest
The central figure in the Day of Atonement rituals, responsible for making atonement for the people of Israel.

2. Most Holy Place
The innermost part of the Tabernacle, where God's presence dwelt, and where the High Priest entered once a year to make atonement.

3. Israelites
The people of God, whose sins and impurities necessitated the atonement process.

4. Tent of Meeting
The Tabernacle, a portable earthly dwelling place of God among the Israelites.

5. Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)
An annual event where the High Priest made atonement for the sins of the people and the sanctuary.

Teaching Points

The Necessity of Atonement
Sin creates a barrier between humanity and God, necessitating a means of reconciliation. The Day of Atonement foreshadows the ultimate atonement through Christ.

The Holiness of God
God's holiness requires that the place of His dwelling be purified from the impurities of the people. This underscores the seriousness of sin and the need for holiness in our lives.

The Role of the Mediator
The High Priest serves as a mediator between God and the people, pointing to Jesus Christ as our ultimate High Priest who intercedes on our behalf.

The Community Impact of Sin
The impurities and sins of the Israelites affected the entire community and the sanctuary, reminding us that our sins have broader implications beyond ourselves.

The Call to Repentance and Cleansing
Just as the Israelites needed atonement, we are called to seek forgiveness and cleansing through Christ, maintaining a pure relationship with God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the High Priest in Leviticus 16:16 foreshadow the work of Jesus Christ as described in Hebrews 9?

2. In what ways does the concept of atonement in Leviticus 16:16 highlight the holiness of God and the seriousness of sin?

3. How can understanding the communal impact of sin, as seen in Leviticus 16:16, influence our approach to personal and corporate repentance today?

4. What parallels can you draw between the purification of the Most Holy Place and the call for personal holiness in the New Testament?

5. How does the annual nature of the Day of Atonement in Leviticus 16:16 contrast with the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus, and what practical implications does this have for our daily walk with God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Hebrews 9
This chapter in the New Testament draws a parallel between the Old Testament Day of Atonement and Christ's ultimate sacrifice, emphasizing the superiority of Christ's atonement.

Isaiah 53
This passage prophetically describes the suffering servant, who bears the sins of many, connecting to the concept of atonement.

1 John 1:9
This verse speaks to the ongoing need for confession and cleansing from sin, echoing the purification themes of Leviticus 16.

Romans 3:23-25
These verses discuss the universal nature of sin and the provision of atonement through Jesus Christ, linking back to the need for atonement in Leviticus.